Ellesmere Primary School, located in Shropshire, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness in various key areas. The school is led by headteacher Nicola Bond and is part of the North West Academies Trust, overseen by CEO Steve Docking OBE and a board of trustees chaired by Nayland Southorn. The inspection took place on October 1 and 2, 2024, and the school received a 'Good' rating across all categories, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
Pupils at Ellesmere Primary School are described as happy, safe, and well cared for. They exhibit politeness and kindness towards one another and visitors, fostering a welcoming environment. The introduction of the 'Ellesmere Way' by the new headteacher has established clear expectations for students, which they appreciate and strive to meet. This has contributed to a notable sense of pride among pupils in their achievements.
The school emphasizes active learning from the early years, teaching pupils essential skills such as listening, communication, and collaboration. This approach has resulted in effective learning behaviours that enable students to make good progress across the curriculum. Pupils express enthusiasm for the variety of clubs and extracurricular activities available, as well as educational trips to museums, historical sites, and community events, which broaden their understanding of the world and support their aspirations.
A significant strength of the school is its broad and ambitious curriculum, which integrates reading and writing across all subjects. This strategy provides pupils with daily opportunities to practice and apply their skills in diverse contexts, starting from the early years. The curriculum is designed to help pupils understand the interconnectedness of different subjects, enhancing their overall learning experience. However, there are instances where subject-specific skills and knowledge are not fully secured, primarily due to a focus on recording knowledge rather than deepening understanding.
The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Teachers are knowledgeable about their students and regularly assess their learning, allowing for quick identification of potential barriers. The curriculum is flexible enough to accommodate the needs of SEND pupils, and teaching assistants provide valuable support.
A strong culture of reading is evident throughout the school, with early reading instruction being particularly effective. Children in the Nursery are introduced to rhymes and stories, laying the groundwork for formal phonics teaching in Reception. Regular assessments help identify pupils who may struggle, ensuring timely intervention. As a result, most pupils become fluent and confident readers, with high expectations for reading at home contributing to a love of literature.
The school places great importance on attendance, and efforts to engage parents and carers have led to improved attendance rates. A well-structured personal development program begins in the early years, teaching pupils to consider the needs of others and understand diverse cultures and beliefs. The school's values of nurture, inspire, and achieve are integral to developing resilience and independence among students.
Teachers express pride in their work environment, noting the support and professional development opportunities provided by school and trust leaders. The collaborative efforts of leaders at all levels focus on continuous improvement for the benefit of pupils. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring a safe learning environment for all students.
In summary, Ellesmere Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education, fostering positive relationships, and supporting the personal development of its pupils. The school is well-positioned for continued success, with a clear focus on enhancing learning outcomes and addressing areas for improvement.
