We are delighted to share that Hillsborough Nursery & Primary School has been recognised by Ofsted for the way it helps every pupil grow in confidence and feel part of the school community, achieving a 'Strong' judgement for Personal Development and Wellbeing in its latest inspection.

Inspectors praised our school for providing "a rich and carefully planned programme for pupils' personal development", with pupils benefiting from experiences that help them develop "confidence, resilience, independence and a sense of belonging".

The report found that pupils "enjoy being at this school and feel happy" and "take pride in belonging to a close and welcoming school community". Pupils speak confidently about respect, fairness and inclusion, and value the different cultures, beliefs and experiences represented within the school. For some families, pupils are the third generation to attend the school, reflecting its deep community roots.

Staff were praised for knowing pupils well and providing "caring, timely support when needed", with inspectors noting that all staff "recognise their responsibility to help pupils blossom and do well".

Our enrichment programme is "highly valued by pupils" and makes a significant contribution to their personal development. Pupils take on leadership roles as eco, equality and diversity and community ambassadors, enjoy learning outdoors, and choose from a wide range of clubs, trips and activities, from sports and arts to science and music. Inspectors found that leaders "make sure everyone has a chance to take part".

Alongside our 'Strong' judgement for Personal Development and Wellbeing, Hillsborough achieved the 'Expected' standard in all other areas. Inspectors also confirmed that the school's safeguarding standards are met.

Other key highlights from the report include:

  • Pupils achieve well from their starting points. Key Stage 2 results show that pupils meeting the expected standard are above the national average in reading and mathematics, and inspectors described it as "noteworthy" that disadvantaged pupils have achieved above the national average for all disadvantaged pupils in reading, writing, mathematics and English grammar, punctuation and spelling in the last two sets of published results.
  • Pupils are "kind and respectful", with staff's clear expectations helping to make the school "a safe and friendly place for everyone".
  • Leaders have designed "an ambitious curriculum that is carefully planned and sequenced", which is accessible to all pupils while maintaining high expectations for what every pupil can achieve.
  • Children in the early years "arrive at school happily", and parents value the warm, caring approach of staff and "the regular communication that helps them support their child's learning at home".
  • The school has created "a caring and inclusive environment where all pupils are valued and supported to succeed", with leaders and staff identifying needs early, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • Staff "feel proud to work at the school", value leaders' care for their wellbeing and workload, and benefit from training, coaching and development that has created "a culture of professional learning".
  • Governors "know the school well and provide both support and appropriate challenge", while INOVA Multi-Academy Trust supports pupils' readiness for secondary school in Year 6 and provides professional development for staff.

The report identifies two next steps for the school, including continuing to develop pupils' transcription skills across all areas of the curriculum, and improving attendance so that rates rise for all groups of pupils. Work is already well underway to advance these areas.

Neil Hardy, Head of School at Hillsborough Nursery & Primary School, said:

"We are delighted that inspectors have recognised what makes Hillsborough such a special place to learn. To be judged at a 'Strong' standard for personal development and wellbeing in particular reflects how hard our staff work to make sure every child feels happy, valued and part of our school community, and has the chance to blossom.

I would like to thank our staff for their dedication, our pupils for the pride they take in their school, and our parents and carers for their support and partnership. We will be working hard to build on this, so that every child benefits fully from everything Hillsborough has to offer."

Lee Barber, Chief Executive Officer of INOVA Multi-Academy Trust, added:

"This report reflects the care and ambition that Hillsborough's staff bring to their work every day. Inspectors saw a school where pupils are happy, feel they belong and are given every chance to take part, and where every child is supported to achieve their best academically.

We will continue to work closely with the school as it continues on its positive trajectory. I would like to congratulate everyone in the Hillsborough community on a report they can be proud of."