Cavalry Primary School, located in March, Cambridgeshire, has recently undergone an inspection on the 5th and 6th of June 2024, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school is led by headteacher Fiona McCallum and is part of the Elliot Foundation Academies Trust, which provides additional oversight and support. The trust is managed by CEO Hugh Greenway and a board of trustees chaired by Tim Coulson, with Regional Director Caroline Oliver responsible for the school.
The school environment is described as warm and friendly, with strong relationships fostered between pupils and staff. Students engage positively with their peers and adults, contributing to a happy atmosphere where high expectations for behavior are generally met. Pupils demonstrate a desire to succeed and respond well to encouragement, actively participating in lessons and displaying a willingness to take risks in their learning. While current pupils are achieving well, there have been historical challenges in this area.
Cavalry Primary School offers a rich array of extracurricular activities, including performances at prestigious venues like the Royal Opera House, participation in school bands and choirs, and involvement in various sports competitions. These opportunities help to build pupils' confidence and resilience, showcasing their talents and interests. The curriculum has been revised to ensure that key knowledge is effectively delivered, particularly in the early years, which has positively impacted pupils' learning and preparedness for future educational stages.
In subjects such as English and mathematics, curriculum leaders have successfully identified essential knowledge and structured lessons logically, allowing pupils to build their understanding over time. Assessment methods, including quizzes and questioning, are effectively employed to reinforce learning. However, some subjects have not been as thoroughly developed, leading to less effective planning and teaching in those areas. This has resulted in pupils being less secure in their understanding of the material.
The school has recognized past shortcomings in reading and mathematics achievement and has implemented changes to teaching and assessment methods in these subjects. These adjustments have shown positive results, with pupils now able to recall and apply their knowledge confidently. Nevertheless, these changes are relatively recent, and further time is needed for their impact to be fully reflected in the achievements of Year 6 pupils.
Phonics instruction is consistently well delivered, enabling most pupils to progress strongly in reading fluency. The school promotes a love of reading through access to a well-stocked library and encourages reluctant readers to engage with stories in a supportive environment. Most pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are successfully integrated into mainstream classes, with tailored support provided when necessary.
The school's behavior policy is understood and followed by staff, although occasional reminders are needed for some pupils. The school actively addresses attendance issues, working with families to overcome barriers and improve overall attendance rates. A comprehensive personal development program ensures that pupils learn about safety, health, and community involvement, fostering a sense of responsibility and engagement.
The trust demonstrates a strong understanding of the school and maintains high aspirations for its success. Staff feel supported and valued, benefiting from an open-door policy that encourages communication with leadership. Overall, Cavalry Primary School is making significant strides in providing a quality education, though there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all subjects have clearly defined knowledge goals to enhance pupil achievement.
