The Heights Primary School maintains outstanding standards
The Heights Primary School, a highly popular school in Berkshire, maintained their outstanding rating following an Ofsted inspection this past October.
Inspectors mention the word "exceptional" four times in their report, describing the school as being dedicated to fostering an environment where every pupil can excel, and noting that "the school has extremely high expectations for pupils’ achievement. All pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, rise to this challenge."
Prioritising reading excellence
Reading is a cornerstone of the school’s educational philosophy where pupils are immersed in high-quality literature throughout their time at the school. Teachers are expertly trained in delivering a consistent and effective phonics programme, ensuring that pupils read books matched to their phonetic knowledge. Swift support is provided for those who need it, enabling everyone to achieve highly in the Year 1 phonics screening check.
Expert teaching and continuous improvement
The school's carefully designed curriculum is tailored to meet the different learning needs and interests of the pupils, ensuring they build on their prior knowledge and skills from the early years onwards. This thoughtful approach is reflected in the outstanding outcomes pupils achieve by the end of Key Stage 2. In addition, the report acknowledges that all teachers possess strong subject-specific knowledge and are adept at teaching the curriculum effectively; regular assessments ensure that pupils have the necessary prior knowledge before new learning begins, and any knowledge gaps are promptly addressed.
Inclusive support for all pupils
The school is dedicated to supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Teachers are united in their view that different ways of learning “should not put a glass ceiling” on pupils’ aspirations, and are skilled in adapting their methods to enable these pupils to learn alongside their peers and achieve excellent results.
Exceptional personal development opportunities
The report highlights that from the early years, the school establishes strong routines that promote excellent behaviour and a love of learning. Pupils are able to engage with important topics such as equality, diversity, and tolerance, and are motivated to have a voice and share their opinions. They participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities and the many worthwhile learning opportunities that the school provides including dance, archaeology, sports, theatre and museum visits and residential trips. These opportunities help to build their interests, confidence, and resilience, with careful consideration given to the needs of disadvantaged pupils.
Headteacher Hayley Harrison, said: “We are delighted that Ofsted could clearly see how special our school is. It is a truly exceptional place I am very proud to lead, standing on the shoulders of the previous headteacher. We are truly keen to offer an exceptional education to local families, in purpose-built facilities and in a wonderful green location.”
Mark Greatrex, BPET Chief Executive, said: “We are so proud of the journey The Heights Primary School has been on since opening 10 years ago and since joining BPET a year ago. The school offers exceptional standards of education and I am delighted Ofsted recognised this; we are looking forward to keeping on working with The Heights to maintain these standards long term.”
Pupils enjoy coming to this exceptional school.
[Pupils] become confident, articulate and passionate learners.
Pupils' behaviour in and beyond the classroom is exemplary.
The school's provision for pupils' personal development is exceptional.
Ofsted 2024
