Penbridge Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 February 2023

Pupils are cheerful and enthusiastic in this welcoming school. Pupils greet staff excitedly and are proud to meet their high expectations. Positive behaviour is built on warm and caring relationships. Pupils say that the best thing about their school is 'the teachers, because they do their absolute best to help us do our best'. Pupils are not concerned about bullying, which occurs only occasionally. If it happens, leaders take concerns seriously and take effective action. Pupils feel safe and trust adults to help them. Girls and boys are equally proud to represent the school in a range of sporting activities, such as football, handball, badminton and cricket. There is a wide club offer, including opportunities such as archery, art and dance. Leaders ensure that nobody misses out. School productions and church visits showcase the performing talents of pupils. Pupils enjoy making a positive difference to their school community through roles on the 'eco committee' and school council. 'Junior road safety officers' support fellow pupils to be 'safely seen'. Pupils love school trips to enrich their learning experience. Highlights have included trips to a theme park and the Houses of Parliament. Pupils were thrilled to catch the train and visit the dockyards.

What the school should improve

• Phonics expertise is not secure across all staff. As a result, pupils may not achieve as well as they could in phonics. Leaders should ensure that all staff have strong subject knowledge and confidence to teach phonics with precision.
• Assessment is not embedded in foundation subjects. This means that gaps in pupils' knowledge may not always be accurately identified. Leaders must continue their work with teachers to ensure that assessment practice is effective and manageable.

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