Harris Primary Academy Orpington is a primary school located in Orpington, Kent, which has been rated as good in its recent inspection. The school has demonstrated strong leadership and management, with leaders and governors committed to improving the quality of teaching and the overall achievements of pupils. They have effectively evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of the school, using this information to implement necessary changes that have positively impacted pupil progress. The school has a robust system for monitoring pupils' progress in key subjects, ensuring that those who need additional support receive it promptly.
Pupils at Harris Primary Academy Orpington are achieving well across all year groups, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school has made significant strides in closing the achievement gap for disadvantaged pupils, ensuring they make progress comparable to their peers. The governors play an essential role in holding the leadership accountable for pupil progress and safeguarding measures, contributing to a safe and supportive environment for all students.
The school promotes a positive culture where pupils feel safe and well cared for. Staff are attentive to the welfare needs of pupils, and the family support worker provides tailored assistance to those requiring emotional support. The behaviour of pupils is commendable, with a strong emphasis on respect and cooperation. The curriculum is broad and balanced, offering rich learning experiences that engage pupils and foster a love for learning. The leadership of early years is effective, ensuring that children are well-prepared for their transition to key stage one.
While the overall quality of teaching is good, there are areas for improvement. Some teachers need to enhance their use of assessment information to provide consistently challenging tasks for all pupils, particularly the most able. Additionally, some middle leaders require further training to effectively measure the impact of their work on pupil outcomes. Communication with parents has been identified as an area needing improvement, as there are inconsistencies in how the school engages with families and the community.
To further enhance the quality of education, the school aims to ensure that all teachers consistently use assessment data to set challenging tasks across all subjects. Additionally, leaders are focused on improving the effectiveness of leadership and management by ensuring that all leaders are equipped to evaluate their impact on pupil outcomes. The school is also working on strengthening its partnership with parents to foster a more inclusive and communicative environment.
In summary, Harris Primary Academy Orpington is a good school with strong leadership, effective teaching, and a commitment to improving pupil outcomes. The school provides a safe and nurturing environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally. With ongoing efforts to enhance teaching practices and strengthen community engagement, the school is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of improvement and success.
