New Brancepeth Primary Academy, located in Durham, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its strengths and areas for improvement. The school, which is part of the Advance Learning Partnership, is led by Head of School Charlotte Robson and Executive Headteacher Helen Louise Templeton. The inspection took place on October 1 and 2, 2024, and the school received positive ratings across several key areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision, all rated as good. Leadership and management were rated as outstanding.
The school is characterized by a nurturing environment that fosters a strong sense of belonging among pupils and staff. Parents and carers feel welcomed and are encouraged to participate in school events, such as phonics workshops and collaborative learning sessions. The school is dedicated to broadening pupils' life experiences and raising their aspirations through an enriched curriculum that includes frequent visits and guest speakers. Each pupil maintains a 'pupil passport' to document their experiences, which include outdoor education and visits to historical sites. The curriculum has recently been improved with support from the trust, although published results may not fully reflect pupils' achievements due to small year groups.
Pupils express that they feel happy and safe at school, benefiting from a calm and focused learning environment. Staff encourage reflection on actions and learning from mistakes. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, such as archery and crafts, and provides opportunities for pupils to take on special roles, which helps develop their leadership skills and self-confidence.
Leaders are committed to continuous improvement in the quality of education. The curriculum is designed to build on prior learning, ensuring that pupils develop a solid understanding of key concepts, particularly in mathematics. Careful planning allows pupils in mixed-age classes to learn in a logical sequence. Language development is a priority, with a strong emphasis on vocabulary acquisition through storytelling and regular checks to reinforce learning.
The school has implemented a new phonics program, with well-trained staff delivering the curriculum and providing additional support for pupils at risk of falling behind. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive effective support, ensuring they can learn alongside their peers. Attendance has improved following targeted actions to address low rates since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Personal development is a notable strength, with a curriculum that promotes understanding of world religions and healthy relationships. The leadership team has shown exceptional capacity for growth, supported by the trust, and fosters a culture of professional development. Staff feel valued and supported, with measures in place to reduce workload and enhance well-being.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Some aspects of the curriculum are not as securely implemented, leading to challenges in knowledge recall and connections in learning. The school is encouraged to take further action to embed the curriculum and ensure that pupils can remember and connect their knowledge over time.
Overall, New Brancepeth Primary Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for its pupils. The leadership team is proactive in addressing challenges and continuously improving the educational experience for all students.
