Downham Market, Hillcrest Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 27 June 2023

Hillcrest Primary School is a happy, nurturing and welcoming school. Pupils learn effectively and make good progress. They learn how to be creative, curious, confident, coordinated and communicative. Pupils remember these skills as 'The 5C's of Independent Learning'. They are enthusiastic about these skills and sing about them in assemblies. Pupils learn from staff to be well-mannered and kind. They do not tolerate unkindness and will politely remind their peers if their behaviour is not considered 'the Hillcrest way'. There is very little disruption to learning, which helps pupils to learn well. Pupils are thoughtful, and express their views with maturity and respect. Pupils learn about different faiths. They understand that there are various kinds of relationships and they respect differences. Pupils learn to remember the five fundamental British values with a 'Hillcrest Hand'. They understand how these values affect their own lives. Pupils helped to design the new anti-bullying policy. They are knowledgeable about bullying and are clear that it is not tolerated at their school. Pupils trust staff to help the pupils involved when bullying does occur. Being able to share their concerns, and knowing these are acted on, ensures that pupils feel happy and safe.

What the school should improve

• Teachers' subject knowledge in some areas of the curriculum is not as secure as in others, for example languages. This impacts on how pupils deepen their knowledge in those areas of the curriculum. Leaders should provide support and guidance to help teachers develop their knowledge so that pupils are able to achieve consistently well in all areas of the curriculum.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)