Burley Gate C of E Primary School, located in Hereford, Herefordshire, continues to be recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 1, 2024. The school is led by executive headteacher Michele Lewis and is part of the Diocese of Hereford Multi Academy Trust, which provides additional oversight and support. The school community is characterized by a welcoming atmosphere where pupils feel safe and valued. Relationships between staff and students are strong, fostering a positive learning environment. Pupils demonstrate good behavior and respect for one another, contributing to a calm and purposeful school culture.
The school prioritizes the physical and mental well-being of its students, encouraging them to take responsibility for their actions. Pupils are well-prepared for future educational stages, becoming confident and articulate individuals. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive appropriate support and opportunities to thrive. The school emphasizes reading, implementing a structured phonics program that helps pupils develop essential literacy skills from an early age. Regular assessments ensure that pupils are making progress, and additional support is provided to those who may be at risk of falling behind.
In addition to core subjects, the school offers a broad curriculum that includes various subjects from the national curriculum. Teachers effectively use assessment to tailor learning experiences, although there are areas for improvement in tracking progress in foundation subjects. The school encourages pupils to engage in extracurricular activities, including instrumental lessons and sports clubs, enhancing their overall educational experience. The multi-academy trust plays a supportive role, allowing staff to collaborate with other schools and share best practices, which helps reduce workload and improve educational outcomes.
The school has established effective safeguarding measures, ensuring that pupils are protected and their welfare is prioritized. The school community is actively involved in shaping its policies and practices, with pupils having a voice in decisions that affect their education. The school also works closely with parents to promote good attendance and support their children's learning at home.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas identified for improvement. The assessment arrangements for foundation subjects need to be finalized to provide teachers with a clearer understanding of pupils' starting points for future learning. Additionally, retrieval activities should be more focused on reinforcing key knowledge to enhance long-term memory retention among pupils. The school is committed to addressing these areas to further enhance the quality of education provided.
Overall, Burley Gate C of E Primary School is a thriving educational institution that successfully meets the needs of its pupils. The positive relationships, strong leadership, and commitment to high standards contribute to a supportive and effective learning environment. The school is well-positioned to continue its journey of improvement and maintain its status as a good school in the future.
