Pirbright Village Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 17 and 18, 2023. The school provides a positive learning environment where the needs of pupils are prioritized. Students are described as hardworking, polite, and capable of forming strong relationships with peers and staff, contributing to a sense of safety and well-being. Parents echo these sentiments, highlighting the exemplary care and compassion demonstrated by the staff.
The school sets high expectations for learning, particularly in the Reception classes, where young children quickly develop a love for learning that continues throughout their education. Pupils exhibit excellent behavior, showing respect and kindness while embracing the challenges presented by their teachers. They appreciate opportunities to discuss their work, which enhances their understanding and fosters a sense of pride in their school and community. The school promotes values such as respect and resilience, which pupils strive to embody.
Teachers serve as excellent role models, encouraging students to seize learning opportunities and achieve their best with humility and tolerance. This approach is often referred to by parents as The Pirbright way. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, staff take prompt action to resolve the issues.
The curriculum at Pirbright Village Primary School is ambitious and well-structured, capturing pupils' interests and enabling them to achieve well. Subject leaders ensure that the right concepts and content are taught in a logical order. However, in a few foundation subjects, there is a need for clearer identification and sequencing of what pupils should learn, which can hinder their ability to build on prior knowledge effectively. Leaders are committed to ongoing training to enhance the effectiveness of subject leaders.
Reading is a key focus, with pupils developing a love for reading and benefiting from effective phonics instruction. Children in Reception quickly learn letter sounds and practice them regularly, leading to rapid improvement in their reading skills. Older pupils engage with a diverse range of quality texts, enhancing their vocabulary and comprehension.
Mathematics instruction is also strong, with young children given ample opportunities to explore numbers through both structured lessons and play. A consistent approach to developing numerical understanding throughout the school ensures that pupils can apply their knowledge effectively in various contexts.
The early years environment is stimulating and supports all areas of learning, with staff quickly identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Across the school, teachers demonstrate good subject knowledge and regularly assess pupils' understanding, helping them retain previous knowledge and integrate new content.
Teachers design engaging topics that connect learning across subjects, allowing pupils to apply knowledge from one area to another. This interdisciplinary approach strengthens their understanding. Pupils are encouraged to take on various roles and responsibilities, fostering leadership skills and community involvement.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements, with a strong culture of safety established by leaders and staff. Training ensures that all staff are knowledgeable and confident in addressing any concerns regarding pupil safety. Pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe, including internet safety, empowering them to make informed choices.
While the school excels in many areas, there is a need for improvement in the precise sequencing of skills and knowledge in some subjects. Leaders must ensure that subject leaders clearly identify the knowledge and skills pupils need to acquire, allowing for a deeper understanding of the curriculum. Overall, Pirbright Village Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational experience for its pupils.
