St Leonard's Church of England Primary Academy

Overview

St Leonard’s Church of England Primary Academy is rated ‘Good’ across all inspection categories. The report describes a school with a “strong sense of community” where pupils are “confident, welcome others and enjoy learning.” Leaders have established a clear vision and an inclusive curriculum, though some inconsistencies in teaching depth and parent communication require attention.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate “perseverance and courage,” creating a positive culture where they feel “happy and safe” and conduct themselves in a “calm and orderly manner.”
• The curriculum is “inclusive and well-sequenced,” particularly in mathematics and early reading, where staff use strong subject knowledge to help pupils “secure their understanding.”
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) benefit from an “inclusive ethos,” with staff breaking down learning into small steps and providing accurate support.
• Staff and pupils share a “love of reading,” with effective phonics teaching and careful checks to identify pupils “at risk of falling behind.”
• Trustees and the academy council have an “astute understanding” of the school’s strengths and provide appropriate support and challenge.

Areas to improve

• In some subjects, teaching does not fully match the curriculum’s intent, meaning pupils do not develop the “depth of knowledge they need.”
• Some parents are dissatisfied because concerns they raise are not “dealt with well enough or resolved,” requiring more effective communication.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”