Bentley High Street Primary School, located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection on the 8th and 9th of October 2024. The school has received outstanding ratings across all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection grade of good.
The executive principal, Rebecca Austwick, leads the school, which is part of the Exceed Learning Partnership. This partnership involves shared responsibilities among various leaders, including the chief executive officer, Beryce Nixon, and a board of trustees chaired by John Blount. The collaborative leadership structure contributes to the school's effective management and strategic direction.
Pupils at Bentley High Street Primary School experience a robust educational environment. The school's mission, encapsulated in the phrase every child, every chance, every day, reflects its commitment to ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed, regardless of any challenges they may face. The school fosters a culture of politeness, respect, and inclusivity among its students, who are known for their friendly and mature interactions. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils feel confident in seeking help from adults when needed. During lessons, students demonstrate a strong commitment to their learning, and they engage positively with their peers during social times.
The school has implemented a well-thought-out programme called Bentley High Street experiences, which enriches the educational journey of its pupils. This programme includes curriculum-linked activities, such as debates and social justice projects, as well as opportunities for cultural enrichment through visits to museums and places of worship. These experiences are designed to enhance pupils' cultural capital and prepare them for future opportunities.
The curriculum at Bentley High Street Primary School is ambitious and well-structured, ensuring that pupils learn essential knowledge in a logical sequence. The school has identified the key learning objectives for each subject and year group, often exceeding national curriculum expectations. Teachers effectively use assessments to identify gaps in pupils' knowledge and provide targeted support to help them catch up. This approach has resulted in strong performance in national assessments.
The phonics programme is another area where the school excels. Staff receive personalized training to ensure consistency in teaching phonics, and additional support is provided to pupils who struggle. This has led to impressive outcomes in reading, with pupils developing fluency and expression over time.
In the early years, children benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that quickly identifies and addresses any gaps in their knowledge. Skilled staff adapt their teaching to meet the needs of each child, particularly in developing vocabulary and reading skills. This high-quality provision prepares children exceptionally well for their transition to key stage one.
The school is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Collaborating with external professionals, such as speech and language therapists, ensures that these pupils receive the necessary assistance. The school's effective use of assessment allows for swift intervention, enabling these students to make significant progress.
Personal development is a priority at Bentley High Street Primary School. Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles, such as participating in the student council and leading environmental or charitable initiatives. The school's careers curriculum is designed to inspire pupils by providing insights into future opportunities based on local labour market information. Pupils demonstrate a solid understanding of personal, social, and health education, discussing topics such as healthy eating and the importance of celebrating diversity.
Attendance rates at the school are high, with the administration carefully analyzing reasons for absences and providing support to families as needed. This collaborative approach has led to improved attendance, particularly among disadvantaged pupils.
Governance at Bentley High Street Primary School is effective, with trustees and leaders maintaining a strong understanding of the school's operations. Staff feel well-supported, and leaders consider the impact of their decisions on both pupils and staff workload. The established leadership team contributes not only to the school's improvement but also to the broader development of the trust.
Overall, Bentley High Street Primary School exemplifies excellence in education, demonstrating a commitment to high standards and the holistic development of its pupils. The school's focus on creating a supportive and enriching environment ensures that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
