Radford Primary School Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 January 2023

Radford Academy is a special place where everyone gets a smile and a warm welcome. Pupils value each other. They embrace the principal of 'show respect for everyone and everything'. They are curious. They love learning about and celebrating each other's cultures. Pupils know that staff care about them. They feel safe in school. They know that the adults will help them when they are worried. Staff expect them to behave well, and they do. Pupils do not worry about bullying. It is rare and the adults always help them to sort it out. The curriculum is ambitious for every child. Older pupils said they know their teachers prepare them well for the next stage in education. Pupils know how important reading is. They love their new library and their teachers' 'story voices'. Pupils who speak English as an additional language get the high-quality support they need. Radford Academy pupils are active citizens of their community. They lead change in their school and their city. Through their projects and campaigns, they learn about how to 'give back' and have a positive impact on people and society. They gain confidence that they have much to offer. They learn that they are important.

What the school should improve

• Teachers do not always set written tasks that are focused on the important subject knowledge in the foundation subjects. As a result, pupils' written work does not always develop their subject knowledge as well as it could. Leaders should ensure that tasks allow practice of the important knowledge or concepts that pupils need to know so that pupils' core knowledge is secure and they can develop their understanding.

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