Denholme Primary School, located in Bradford, West Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection that resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place from November 15 to 16, 2023, and marked a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement. The headteacher, Malcolm Campbell, leads the school, which is part of the Nurture Academies Trust, overseen by CEO Wahid Zaman and chaired by Pamela Smith.
Pupils at Denholme Primary School express a strong sense of pride in their school, often referencing the motto happy learners, high achievers and the core values known as the 4Rs: Readiness, Resilience, Reflection, and Respect. The school emphasizes inclusivity and teaches students about the importance of being respectful members of society. Pupils are aware of what constitutes unacceptable language and behavior, such as racism and bullying, and they actively uphold a culture of respect and kindness.
The school has established high expectations for behavior and academic performance, which pupils consistently meet. From Nursery through Year 6, students demonstrate eagerness to learn and achieve well academically. The curriculum is designed to provide a broad range of knowledge and skills that prepare pupils for their future. It includes unique opportunities, such as growing vegetables in class allotments and engaging in extracurricular activities like guitar lessons and karate.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement. Pupils have expressed a desire for more leadership roles and responsibilities, which have not been fully reinstated this academic year. This gap means that some opportunities for personal development and leadership skills are currently overlooked.
The curriculum is ambitious and structured to build knowledge progressively. Teachers provide a wealth of opportunities for hands-on learning, particularly in art and design technology, where the quality of work produced by pupils is exceptional. The school has prioritized reading, establishing effective routines for phonics instruction and providing additional lessons to enhance reading fluency. The environment is rich in text, with a well-stocked library and dedicated reading areas that foster a love for reading.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is a strong point, with high expectations set for their learning. The school has a provision known as The Orchard, catering for children with autism, allowing them to integrate into mainstream classes when appropriate. However, there are instances where resources for these pupils could be better tailored to their needs, particularly in accessing the academic curriculum.
Subject leaders and the special educational needs coordinator are encouraged to focus more on the implementation of the curriculum in the classroom. Some weaknesses in learning have been identified, such as the need for clearer repetition of prior knowledge and breaking down learning into smaller steps. Senior leaders are aware of these areas and are committed to addressing them.
Overall, Denholme Primary School has made significant strides in improving its educational provision, fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all pupils. The school community, including parents, expresses strong support for the work being done, highlighting the warm and friendly atmosphere cultivated by the staff. The commitment to continuous improvement is evident, and with further focus on leadership opportunities for pupils and refining curriculum implementation, the school is well-positioned for future success.
