Excalibur Primary School, located in Alsager, Stoke-on-Trent, has recently undergone an inspection by Ofsted on 11 and 12 October 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, with specific areas such as behaviour and attitudes receiving an outstanding rating. The quality of education, personal development, and leadership and management have all been rated as good, while early years provision has also been recognized as outstanding. The headteacher, Juliet Jones, leads the school, which is part of the Chancery Multi Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Louise Gohr and a board of trustees chaired by Joanna Longman.
The inspection marks the first routine evaluation of Excalibur Primary School since it became an academy, following a period of exemption from routine inspections. The report reflects the current inspection framework and considers any changes since the last graded inspection of the predecessor school. The school has established a positive environment where pupils arrive with smiles and are greeted warmly by kind and caring staff. Strong relationships between staff and pupils foster a sense of safety and confidence among students, who feel assured that their concerns will be addressed promptly.
Excalibur Primary School maintains high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school has designed a well-ordered curriculum that begins in the early years, ensuring that children are well-prepared for future learning. Most pupils build their knowledge logically across key stages, acquiring a rich body of subject knowledge. Staff generally demonstrate strong subject knowledge and design effective learning experiences. However, in a few subjects, some staff may lack the confidence and skills to deliver consistently high-quality learning, which can hinder pupils' ability to make secure connections between prior and new knowledge.
The school has established effective assessment systems, allowing staff to check pupils' understanding and adapt future learning accordingly. The identification of additional needs is accurate and timely, with appropriate training provided to staff to support pupils with SEND. The school prioritizes reading, implementing a rigorous approach to teaching phonics from the early years, resulting in pupils becoming fluent and confident readers. Older pupils express enthusiasm for reading and take pride in the school library.
Pupils exhibit eagerness to learn, and their respectful behaviour contributes to a productive classroom environment. The school emphasizes regular attendance and punctuality. Parents and carers appreciate the school's communication strategies, which keep them informed about their children's learning. Pupils enjoy a variety of extracurricular opportunities, including residential visits and school trips, which enhance their understanding of the community and the wider world.
Governors and trustees are well-informed about the school's priorities and effectively support and challenge the school's work. The school is committed to staff well-being, with positive feedback from staff regarding their experiences at Excalibur. The report highlights the need for improvement in a small number of subjects, where staff may not be fully clear about the essential knowledge to be taught. Additionally, there is a need to provide more opportunities for pupils to revisit and consolidate their learning. Overall, Excalibur Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for all its pupils.
