St Nicholas Church of England Primary School in Hurst, Wokingham, Berkshire, was inspected on 18 and 19 October 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision also receiving good ratings. Notably, personal development was rated as outstanding. This was the first inspection under section five of the Education Act 2005 since the school converted to an academy in September 2019.
The head of school, Sarah Hilling, leads a dedicated team that works hard to create a friendly and welcoming environment for pupils. The school is part of The Keys Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Hester Wooller and a board of trustees chaired by David Horrocks. The school’s values of respect, honesty, courage, and kindness are well known among pupils, who respond positively to the high expectations set for their behaviour. The presence of a school dog adds to the welcoming atmosphere, and pupils express enjoyment in attending school, valuing their friendships and learning experiences.
The curriculum is comprehensive and aligned with national standards, tailored to meet the needs and interests of the pupils. For instance, Year 6 pupils engage in practical geography fieldwork by observing the nearby River Thames. While most subjects are well-structured, some areas still require clarity regarding the essential knowledge pupils need to learn. The early years curriculum is effectively designed to prepare children for future learning, and teachers regularly assess pupils’ understanding to reinforce their learning.
Reading is prioritized from early years, with children developing phonetic skills that lead to fluency. Additional support is provided for those who fall behind, ensuring that all pupils have access to a range of reading materials. Behaviour in lessons is generally good, with disruptions being rare. When issues arise, timely support is provided to help pupils understand the impact of their actions.
The school excels in personal development, offering a rich array of experiences, including residential trips and extracurricular clubs that cater to various interests. Pupils are encouraged to participate in community events, fostering a sense of responsibility and engagement. The school council plays an active role in fundraising for playground equipment, demonstrating leadership opportunities for pupils.
Staff members report feeling supported by school leadership, with a strong sense of pride in their work. The school is committed to staff well-being and workload management, ensuring a positive working environment. The governance structure is clear, with trustees and local governing body members actively involved in monitoring the school’s performance.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, creating a safe environment for pupils. However, the school recognizes the need for improvement in certain areas. Specifically, there is a need to better identify and check the essential knowledge pupils should learn in some subjects, as this can lead to variability in learning outcomes. Additionally, some subject leaders are still developing their understanding of effective curriculum evaluation, which may impact the consistency of teaching quality.
To enhance the educational experience, the school should focus on providing high-quality training for staff to ensure effective implementation and evaluation of the curriculum. Overall, St Nicholas Church of England Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering a positive learning environment, with a focus on academic achievement and personal development.
