The school has never been better or stronger. The government published new school performance measures this term (for the last school year). For the 12 new headline performance measures, our pupils achieved the highest category in every single one—from phonics at the end of Year 1, the multiplication check in Year 4, through to reading, writing, and maths at the end of Year 6. This places us among the very best schools nationally.

These results reflect the strength of our deeply embedded curriculum design, which sets out the content pupils need to learn and builds knowledge year by year. This term, lesson visits in reading, maths, PE, music, French, and art have shown how this approach enables pupils to progress confidently. Phonics for reception, year 1 and 2 remains excellent. Maths continues to be exceptional. Reading is improving further with a greater emphasis on reading aloud and dialogical teaching and oracy. Writing as a result of the I Am A Clever Writer approach benefits all pupils where books show exceptional quality. Thanks to Mrs Tsoukala, Mr Monks, Miss Odogwu and Mrs Robinson respectively, overseen by Mrs Haines. Across the curriculum, teaching is excellent and pupils achieve highly in all lessons. A recent highlight was year 6 pupils’ stunning use of pencil techniques to draw perspective—thanks to Mr Smith’s leadership of art, overseen by Mrs Tate, Assistant Headteacher (AHT).

Curriculum improvements continue in other subjects too. Miss Ellis, overseen by Mr Webb (AHT), has streamlined RE so pupils learn fewer things in greater depth, helping them remember more. In computing, Mrs Watts supported by Mr Lewis (AHT) have introduced a new curriculum with clearer content, more use of Microsoft tools, and better support for teachers with challenging topics like coding.

Across the school, our expert teachers and teaching assistants follow our teaching principles exceptionally well, while continuing their own professional learning. Mrs Tate has led cycles of self-improvement matched to school priorities. Recent in-house staff events showcased how teachers adapt and scaffold learning so all pupils achieve highly. There is always some variation between teachers—often linked to career stage. However, our induction, support, and regular classroom visits for teachers at the start of their career and new joiners to our school, led by Miss Abed and overseen by Mr Thomas (AHT), ensure all our teachers improve and thrive.

Looking ahead, next term we will deepen our work on oracy and adaptation, and continue our alignment with Elthorne Park High School. Teachers return to a professional training day led by Mrs Chadwick, Mrs Tate and Mrs Renault. Colleagues from Elthorne Park High School join us. Pupils’ attitudes and behaviour continue to improve, supported by revised recording and 30-day whole school reviews by Mrs Haines. While pockets of poor behaviour remain, these reflect individual needs, and we are adjusting our support to help these pupils succeed.

Beyond the classroom, our co-curriculum offers excellent opportunities in music and sport and the chance for pupils to try something new through our rich programme of clubs. We are more Ofsted ‘outstanding’ than ever before.

However, the government and Ofsted have raised the bar again for schools. We are sharpening our alignment with new expectations as we anticipate our next inspection in Spring 2027. Our focus remains clear: enabling every child to achieve highly—academically and personally—with an overwhelming commitment to pupils with special needs, disadvantaged backgrounds, or social care involvement. We want every child to feel they belong through high attendance and excellent behaviour, and thrive through the quality of our teaching, learning, behaviour systems, and early family support where needed.

Read more about Ofsted's changes and the expectations on school in Mrs Haines' article.

Peter Dunmall