Duke Street Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 November 2022

Pupils at Duke Street achieve well. This is because leaders and staff are ambitious for all pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to become skilful, knowledgeable learners. Pupils value their learning and frequently told inspectors that 'teachers make learning fun'. Pupils benefit from their regular class trips to places of interest in the local area. Staff are quick to identify pupils' unique abilities, including through the annual 'Duke Street's Got Talent' competition. Pupils at the school find it easy to make friends. Whenever pupils feel sad or frustrated, staff quickly spot this and provide help, including by offering pupils time with staff in the calm of the Sunshine Room. Pupils, and children in early years, behave well in classrooms and around the school. They are polite and respectful. Pupils with SEND, including those in the Acorn Class, feel fully part of life at the school. Pupils told inspectors that staff model respect for people who are disabled. Pupils enjoy several roles in helping leaders to improve the work of the school. For example, pupils in the Green Team help to look after the school environment. Pupils gain much benefit from attending extra-curricular clubs. For instance, the karaoke club's singing of 'Sweet Caroline' serenaded the inspectors one day as they ate their lunch.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, leaders have not ensured that teachers are clear about the essential knowledge that they want pupils to learn. This holds back teachers' ability to assess whether pupils know and remember the information that they should. Leaders should ensure that teachers identify the knowledge that they will teach and assess.

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