Lyndhurst Junior School, located in Portsmouth, Hampshire, has been rated as a good school following its inspection in February 2019. The executive headteacher demonstrates strong leadership, supported by effective senior leaders, committed governors, and dedicated staff. The school environment is calm and orderly, with pupils exhibiting respectful and polite behavior towards staff and peers. The governing body and academy trust actively challenge and hold leaders accountable for ensuring positive outcomes for students. New systems for tracking pupil progress have been implemented, leading to swift interventions when necessary, and the quality of teaching has improved significantly due to robust monitoring.
Despite these strengths, there are areas for improvement. Some pupils, particularly the most able, do not consistently receive tasks that challenge them appropriately. Leaders are committed to supporting disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs, utilizing additional funding effectively to ensure strong progress from their starting points. Current year groups are making better progress than previous cohorts, thanks to well-judged actions taken by leaders to secure rapid improvements. The curriculum is broad and balanced, providing a range of worthwhile experiences across subjects, and parents express strong support for the school and its leadership.
However, some foundation subject leaders require further development to manage their areas effectively. Staff training is underway to address this need. Pupils have a good understanding of equalities, gained through participation in diversity days, and safeguarding measures are effective, with pupils feeling safe and well-supported by trained staff. The school has identified the need to improve outcomes further by ensuring that all pupils, especially the most able, are suitably challenged in all lessons. Additionally, leadership and management can be enhanced by developing the skills of foundation subject leaders to hold others accountable for teaching quality and pupil progress.
The inspection found that the leadership team has established high expectations for learning and behavior, positioning the school well for continued improvement. Year leaders have reported transformational changes in their roles, feeling empowered to lead their teams effectively. Staff are positive about the changes and appreciate the professional development opportunities provided. The school has implemented new procedures for assessing pupil progress, which have led to better identification of those falling behind and timely interventions.
Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning, and their behavior is commendable. They enjoy school and engage well with staff, often expressing appreciation for the support they receive. Attendance has improved and is now in line with national averages, following effective actions taken by leaders to address previous issues. While most pupils make strong progress, there are instances where the pace of learning slows, leading to disengagement among some students.
Overall, the school is making significant strides in improving educational outcomes for its pupils. The leadership team is focused on ensuring that all pupils receive the support and challenge they need to succeed. The commitment to continuous improvement is evident, and with ongoing development of staff and curriculum, Lyndhurst Junior School is well-positioned to enhance its effectiveness further. The positive feedback from parents and the community reflects the school's growing reputation and the successful implementation of its strategic initiatives.
