Victoria Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 June 2023

'Aspiration' is a key word at Victoria Primary Academy. It is central to everything leaders do, from the design of the school's ambitious curriculum to the awe-inspiring trips on offer. As one of their rainbow values, pupils know that 'aspiration' is about aiming high, reaching for the sky and achieving their goals. Victoria is a vibrant, happy place. Pupils feel safe and secure. They know that the staff care for them. As one pupil, typical of many, said, 'The adults are really kind here; they watch out for us.' Pupils know that they can share anything that worries them, and that they will get the help they need. Relationships between pupils and staff are respectful. Staff have high expectations of pupils' attitudes and conduct. Pupils are polite and hard-working. They move between activities calmly and sensibly. Adults deal with behaviour that falls below these high standards effectively and consistently. One pupil summed it up perfectly when they said, 'Teachers put trust in us to listen, work independently and to follow instructions so that we can become “Victastic” learners.' Older pupils can see the positive changes that have taken place during their time at Victoria. Pupils are proud of their school.

What the school should improve

• Leaders prioritise the importance of teachers showing pupils what they need to do. However, staff do not always model learning as they are expected to. When this happens, some pupils are not sure how to apply their knowledge or refine their skills. The quality of their work is not as high when they do not have an example to follow. Leaders must ensure that the curriculum is implemented consistently well by all teachers so that all pupils achieve well.
• The intended learning outcomes for some of the outdoor free-choice activities in the early years are not always as clear as they need to be. Some adults do not extend children's understanding and build their vocabulary well during these times. This means that children in the early years do not always develop their knowledge, skills and vocabulary as well as they might. Leaders must make sure that children get the most from all the free-choice activities in the early years and that staff maximise opportunities to develop children's communication and language.

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