Ofsted finds Penryn Primary Academy 'requires improvement'

Joint headteachers James Hitchens and Dan Hadley said this week that the school still had "much to be proud of," however, and they would continue to "look forward" and address issues highlighted in the report.

Inspectors looked at five different criteria when completing their inspection, with all being graded as "requires improvement" - the third of four gradings, just one step up from "inadequate."

The report focuses on effectiveness of leadership and management; quality of teaching, learning and assessment; personal development, behaviour and welfare; outcomes for pupils; and early years provision at the school, which converted to an academy in 2015.

It states that for the last two years, too few pupils in year six have reached expected standards in reading

and maths, with progress in these subjects a problem across the school.

Inspectors found that a number of staffing changes had "slowed down the momentum of school improvement" and that efforts to improve teaching and results were not yet leading to "consistent improvement."

Progress by pupils with special educational needs or disabilities was "not good" and teaching did not match the needs of pupils closely enough across the school as a whole. A "lack of consistent challenge" was found to have "stalled" the progress of the middle-attaining pupils, particularly in maths, and the curriculum did not support any rapid development of skills in history or geography.

Attendance of pupils is below the national average and, while improving, was described as "not good," with "too many pupils persistently absent from school."

Equally, pupils' behaviour, although much improved, was also "not good enough" and could disrupt other pupils' learning. The report highlighted the "high rate of pupil exclusions" - with the amount due to poor behaviour being above the national average - but went on to say leaders had "worked relentlessly and effectively" on this matter.

The inspectors concluded: "Leaders’ plans for improvement have not been sufficiently precise or targeted accurately enough to tackle weaknesses."

They did, however, praise the school for its "caring community," where pupils felt safe and valued.

Teaching of phonics had led to better standards of reading and writing in years one and two, and pupils' progress was "accelerating" due to the current leaders being "united in their efforts to raise standards."

The school's links with the Aspire Academy Trust, a charity that supports 21 academy schools in Cornwall, was also identified as a strength.

In a joint statement, the two heads of school, James Hitchens and Dan Hadley, said: "We are encouraged that Ofsted recognise the determined work being undertaken at Penryn Primary Academy to build a strong and effective team, engender positive attitudes to learning and improve pupils’ outcomes across the school.

"The acknowledgement that time is required to see the impact of new initiatives and actions filter through to SATs results is also welcomed and we are confident that every suggestion for improvement made, the school is already implementing.

"Ofsted were pleased to share feedback from parents, pupils and staff indicating their children are happy and make good progress at the school. The inspectors identified that classroom books show that pupils are taking pride in their learning and eager to share their work.

"The work Penryn Primary Academy is undertaking to protect and keep pupils safe?and support personal development and wellbeing was praised and inspectors commented the school has ‘worked relentlessly and effectively to improve the provision for pupils with emotional behaviour.'

"Penryn Primary Academy has much to be proud of. We continue to look forward, addressing issues highlighted in the report, ever committed to ensuring all our children receive the high-quality education they deserve, in a safe environment where every child is supported to reach their full potential."