Highburton CofE First Academy

Overview

Highburton CofE First Academy is described as a school where pupils thrive in a positive, inclusive community. Leaders are praised for their tenacious pursuit of excellence, resulting in high achievement and strong personal development for all pupils, including those with special educational needs.

Strengths

• Pupils achieve highly, leaving Key Stage 1 as "confident, competent learners" with a "depth of knowledge across the curriculum."
• Inclusive practice is central, with "sharply targeted and highly impactful" support ensuring pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils thrive alongside peers.
• Personal development is a "notable strength," featuring a comprehensive PSHE programme and the ‘Highburton Passport’ which provides a "rich tapestry of cultural, sporting and artistic experiences."
• Leadership and governance are effective, with leaders who "evaluate the school accurately" and staff who feel valued and supported by a "very well crafted" training programme.
• Attendance is above national averages, driven by warm relationships and a culture where improving attendance is "everyone’s responsibility."

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure older pupils secure their handwriting and spelling skills more rapidly, as support for a small number is not improving writing quickly enough.
• Leaders should ensure high expectations for pupils’ behaviour are realised with "greater consistency, across all classes and at all times of the school day."

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.