Killisick Junior School maintains its high standards says Ofsted

‘Killisick Junior School is a happy and caring school. The school has high expectations of pupils’ achievement.’ Ofsted 2024

Killisick Junior School has been told by Ofsted that they continue to attain the high standards that previously saw them graded a ‘Good’ school in 2019.

Based on Killisick Road in Arnold, the school is described as a ‘happy and caring’ with ‘…high expectations of pupils’ achievements.’

Inspectors said, ‘Pupils enjoy learning here. They say that staff are caring and make learning fun. Parents and carers are positive about how well their children develop at the school. One parent, typical of many, described the school as ‘A wonderful school at the heart of the community.’’

Pupils are described as behaving well in lessons and at social times, demonstrating respect towards each other and staff.  Pupils told inspectors they feel safe in their school.

Richard Jones is Headteacher at Killisick Junior School, and he said, “This result is testament to the ongoing hard work of everyone to make Killisick Junior School the very best place for children to learn. It demonstrates our commitment to educational excellence and the unrivalled personal development of all of our children.

“I am exceptionally proud of the school’s achievements,’ said Richard, ‘and that every decision we make has the children’s best interests at heart. We are truly honoured to serve our community and want to thank our parents and carers for their continued support. This report demonstrates the good works happening each and every day at Killisick Junior School and shows just how amazing our children are.”

Inspectors describe the school’s curriculum as ‘broad and ambitious’ and that, ‘The school has high expectations of pupils’ behaviour and provides high-quality pastoral support for pupils.’

The report states that reading is a priority at the school with children making excellent progress by the end of Key Stage 2, and where, ‘Pupils enjoy reading independently and listening to stories every day.’

Pupil Anais is in year 4 and on hearing the good news she said she felt proud.  “It makes me feel happy because I know it is really hard to get a good review from Ofsted, -you have to work really hard to get it.” Fellow pupil Jeremiah, year 6 said, “I feel very, very good! Our teachers help us in lessons if we don’t know how to answer a question. Our teachers are good, and some of them are funny, and they are all hardworking!”

Inspectors praised the school’s skilful support of pupils with SEND ensuring children can access the curriculum and achieve well.

Inspectors said, the school is committed to providing the ‘best school experience possible’ for its children, adding, ‘The school has meticulously planned for pupils’ wider development. Pupils are exceptionally well prepared for their next steps.’

Safeguarding and Governance at the school were found to be effective and staff report being proud to work at the school and well supported in both their workload, and wellbeing.