Wycliffe Church of England Primary School, located in Shipley, has undergone significant improvements since its conversion to an academy in November 2018. The recent inspection conducted on April 25 and 26, 2023, rated the school as good in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has established a positive environment where pupils feel happy and safe, and they enjoy attending school.
Pupils at Wycliffe are noted for their politeness, consideration, and respect for diversity, embodying the school’s motto of being all different and all equal. They generally behave well, although some instances of disruption in lessons were reported. During playtimes, older pupils support younger ones, fostering a harmonious atmosphere. The school has effectively addressed bullying, with pupils expressing confidence that any incidents would be promptly dealt with by staff.
The curriculum at Wycliffe is ambitious and well-planned, with a strong emphasis on subjects like science and mathematics. Teachers demonstrate good subject knowledge and effectively explain new concepts. Recent efforts have been made to enhance the mathematics curriculum, although further refinement is needed to ensure it meets its intended impact. Some subjects, such as design technology, require clearer guidance on the specific knowledge and vocabulary pupils need to acquire. The school has implemented effective systems to assess pupils' retention of knowledge in reading and mathematics, and leaders are working to extend these practices to other subjects.
In the early years, the curriculum is carefully structured to prepare children for future learning stages. There is a strong focus on language development, and children engage in a variety of well-planned activities that promote independent learning. The nurturing environment supports positive relationships among children, who are encouraged to cooperate and develop social skills.
Reading is prioritized across the school, with daily phonics sessions led by knowledgeable teachers. Pupils are provided with books that match their reading levels, and those who struggle receive timely support to help them keep pace with their peers. The school also effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, collaborating closely with parents and external agencies to meet their needs.
Wycliffe promotes the social and emotional well-being of its pupils, with a dedicated nurture room that provides additional support. Pupils are taught about healthy lifestyles and are encouraged to be inclusive and tolerant, preparing them to be responsible citizens.
Leadership at Wycliffe is committed to staff well-being and workload management. Leaders have made improvements to working practices and provide support for early-career teachers. The governing body is actively involved in monitoring the school’s performance and ensuring compliance with safeguarding and special educational needs regulations.
The school has established a strong safeguarding culture, with staff well-trained to recognize and report concerns. Pupils feel safe and are educated about potential risks, including those associated with technology.
While the school has made commendable progress, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to refine the curriculum further in certain subjects to enhance its overall impact. Additionally, teachers should improve their methods for checking pupils' understanding to identify and address knowledge gaps more effectively. Overall, Wycliffe Church of England Primary School is a thriving educational institution that provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils.
