Horbury Bridge Church of England Junior and Infant Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 February 2023

Staff and governors have high expectations of pupils' achievement. English and mathematics results reflect this. However, leaders' high expectations go well beyond academic success. The curate of Horbury Bridge wrote the hymn 'Onward, Christian Soldiers' for the pupils in this community in 1865. Leaders are inspired by this heritage. Staff continue to help pupils aspire to be caring citizens when they go out into the world. Pupils have a strong sense of their responsibilities as global citizens. They are eager to make a difference. There is no bullying. Pupils are equally kind to each other in lessons or during breaktimes. This helps pupils to feel happy and safe at school. Staff teach pupils about the risks of social media. Older pupils discuss topical examples of online bullying linked to protected characteristics. They understand the importance of being kind to others in person and online. The new headteacher initiated changes to the wider curriculum when he joined the school in April 2022. Some teachers have only just begun to take responsibility as subject leaders. They are still learning all of the subject knowledge and leadership skills needed to help them lead their subjects effectively.

What the school should improve

• Some staff are very recently appointed to middle leadership roles. There is inconsistency in their subject and teaching content knowledge. Leaders should provide the training required to help every subject leader improve their subject knowledge, their curriculum subject and to monitor the quality of education in the subjects that they lead.

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