Highgate Primary School, located in Sileby, Loughborough, has recently undergone an inspection, which took place on April 16 and 17, 2024. The school has been rated as good in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This is the first inspection under the Education Act since the school has not been previously inspected.
The headteacher, Hannah Sale, leads the school, which is part of the Bradgate Education Partnership. The trust is overseen by CEO Gareth Nelmes and a board of trustees chaired by Stephen Cotton. The school is characterized by a caring environment where pupils are encouraged to become positive and respectful citizens. The core values of the school, which include being ready, curious, trying their best, respectful, kind, and resilient, play a significant role in guiding pupils' actions and thoughts. Pupils express enjoyment in attending school and actively support one another in making positive choices.
Highgate Primary School maintains high expectations for all pupils, particularly for those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and disabilities. These expectations are evident in the achievements of pupils, especially in key stage one. The school also emphasizes good behaviour, with pupils reporting that they feel safe and that behaviour is generally respectful and kind. The school's three-step approach to behaviour management helps guide pupils in making appropriate choices.
Pupils demonstrate a strong understanding of diversity and inclusion, showing respect for the characteristics that make individuals unique. They take on various responsibilities as they progress through year groups, such as acting as nurture assistants to help peers manage their emotions. Celebrating each other's achievements is a source of pride for the pupils.
The school prioritizes reading, with a focus on equipping pupils with the necessary skills from the start of their education. High-quality reading materials have been invested in, and pupils appreciate the variety of books available. However, there has been a recent dip in reading achievement, prompting the school to respond quickly to raise expectations. Staff employ a consistent approach to phonics instruction, ensuring that reading materials align with the sounds being taught. Teachers are skilled in assessing pupils' reading accuracy and providing additional support as needed.
The wider curriculum is designed to build pupils' knowledge over time, with clarity about what is taught and when in most subjects. This approach helps establish connections to prior learning. However, in a few subjects, the curriculum development is not as effective, leading to some pupils struggling to recall their knowledge. Leaders are aware of this and are working to improve the implementation of the curriculum.
Teachers value the training they receive and possess the subject knowledge necessary for effective teaching. They utilize their expertise to engage pupils through thoughtful questioning and clear explanations of new concepts. The emphasis on literacy development supports pupils in applying subject-specific vocabulary in their work.
In the early years, children settle well and engage in purposeful activities that promote collaboration and independence. Staff effectively question children's thinking, fostering exploration and understanding of their surroundings. Recent changes have been made to support pupils with special educational needs, with staff well-trained to identify and address their needs.
While the school has made strides in supporting pupils with special educational needs, some parents feel less involved in their child's education. The school recognizes the need to enhance communication with parents to ensure they feel reassured about the support their children receive. Overall, Highgate Primary School demonstrates a commitment to developing pupils' personal skills and character alongside academic achievement, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.
