Holmer CofE Academy has been praised following a recent Ofsted inspection.
Staff and pupils were praised, following the inspection that took place on 12th and 13th November 2024.
The report says:
“Pupils’ love for learning is sparked at this inspirational school.
“They engage with a curriculum that captures their interest and deepens their understanding. Staff expect everyone to achieve their full potential.
“They work with enthusiasm and passion to ensure that all pupils succeed. By the time pupils leave the school in Year 6 they are extremely well prepared for the next stage of their education.
“Pupils create cherished memories as the school buzzes with activity from early morning to late afternoon. Pupils’ interests and talents are enhanced through the broad range of extra-curricular activities offered.
“From crochet to rugby and woodwork to yoga – there is something for everyone.
“Pupils highly value the friendships they form at the school. They behave extremely well. The playground is a joyful place, where young and older children interact with warmth and care. They look after each other. Staff too know pupils well and care about them. This gives pupils a deep sense of belonging and helps them to feel safe.
“The school’s values are lived in practice. For instance, pupils learn about the concept of ‘trust’. Many are proud to be trusted with leadership responsibilities, going about their duties as prefects and ambassadors with confidence and diligence.”
It goes on to add:
“The school has faced significant challenges since the previous inspection.
“The impact of the pandemic, along with the disruption caused by severe flooding that forced classes to relocate, has created many obstacles.
“Despite these challenges, the school has continued to deliver high-quality education.
“Pupils study a broad range of subjects. Staff have identified the important knowledge they expect students to learn and remember in each subject. They teach this information in a logical sequence.
“This allows pupils to build new knowledge upon what they have already learned.
“Teachers set tasks to help pupils use and embed this new knowledge. This allows pupils to regularly apply and revisit what they know.
“For instance, children in the early years practise writing letters and numbers until they become fluent and confident enough to apply their skills in their work.
“This helps pupils build a strong learning foundation for more complex tasks in the future.
“The school places great emphasis on developing adults’ expertise. Teachers have a deep knowledge of the subjects that they teach. They present information clearly and are skilled at checking pupils’ understanding.
“This helps them to identify any pupils who might need extra help. Staff quickly recognise the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
“They make suitable adaptations to ensure that these pupils fully engage in learning. As a result, all pupils make significant progress through the curriculum.
“Pupils develop a love for reading at an early age. They are passionate about various authors, remembering many stories they have encountered in school. Adults and pupils are often seen with books in their hands ready for reading.
“The school’s phonics curriculum is well organised and effectively taught. Children begin learning to read and write as soon as they start in Reception, and almost all pupils are fluent readers by the end of Year 1.
“Teachers quickly identify children who begin to struggle and work determinedly to help them keep up.”
Read the full report – https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/137731
