Henhurst Ridge Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 January 2023

Pupils are happy, safe and enjoy coming to school. They are proud of their school. The oldest pupils talk with pride about being, 'The first pupils ever to start at this school.' Pupils enjoy playing in the school's extensive grounds and learning in the well-presented classrooms. Leaders have high expectations of pupils' learning and behaviour. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), rise to these expectations. They follow the school rules of 'be ready, be respectful, be safe and be sustainable'. Pupils behave well and are well mannered. Bullying is rare. However, if it occurs, leaders deal with it quickly. Leaders have worked hard to develop pupils' independence, confidence and understanding of sustainability. Pupils care about their school, the local community and the environment. The school's eco-leaders are proud of the work they have done in the community, for example litter picking and raising money for local charities. Pupils benefit from a wide variety of educational visits and clubs, including archery, dodgeball, art and science. Parents are overwhelmingly positive. One parent, with a comment which was typical of many, said, 'From the moment you walk in, you can just feel the happiness throughout the whole school.'

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, the key knowledge that pupils need to learn is not clearly defined. In these subjects, teachers are not clear about what pupils should be learning. As a result, pupils do not always effectively build up their knowledge. Leaders should ensure that they precisely identify what pupils should know and remember in each subject.
• In a small number of subjects, teachers do not plan activities that help pupils to know and remember more. This leads to gaps in pupils' learning. Leaders should ensure that all teachers get the support they need to plan learning activities that help pupils to remember their learning over time.
• Too many pupils are regularly absent from school for long periods. This means that they do not learn as much as they should. Leaders should work closely with families to ensure that they understand the importance of regular attendance.

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