Much improvement has already been made by two primary schools on the Lizard Peninsula since joining a new academy trust - but more work needs to be done to catch up.
This was the view of Ofsted inspectors when they visited St Keverne School and Coverack School - just four miles from each other and receiving inspections only one month apart, with the reports published recently.
Both schools were rated 'good' in behaviour and attitude, personal development, and leadership and management - but 'require improvement' in the quality of education and were each given this as their overall rating.
The schools were previously part of the now-closed Southerly Point Co-operative Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) but have now joined the Aspire Academy Trust.
Visiting St Keverne in April, inspectors reported: “The school is determined for all pupils to succeed. It introduces changes to ensure the curriculum provides pupils with the necessary knowledge and skills.”
However, the report mentioned that the new curriculum is still in the ‘early stages’ and does not yet “support pupils to build their knowledge well enough across all subjects.”
Inspectors noted: “Pupils of St Keverne talk with enthusiasm about their school. They are proud of how staff and pupils help and encourage each other. This creates a calm and welcoming school community where pupils feel well-cared for, confident and safe. Pupils attend well.”
The report also mentions how older pupils at St Keverne act as ‘positive role models’ for younger pupils, demonstrating the school’s values of honesty, kindness and respect.
While the report commended St Keverne for its well-defined curriculum outlining the knowledge students should acquire across subjects, it identified a critical gap in implementation for subjects beyond core subjects. It said students aren't effectively acquiring the necessary knowledge to progress well through the wider curriculum.
Inspectors have advised that the trust “must ensure that the intended curriculum is implemented effectively,” and “the necessary checks and monitoring are timely so that pupils learn more and progress well towards more successful outcomes.”
They also noted: "The school does not check pupils’ understanding well enough and identify and address misconceptions they may have. The trust must ensure that staff regularly check pupils’ understanding so that learning can be adapted and gaps in knowledge addressed.”
Lisa Woodhouse, headteacher at St Keverne said she was “delighted” that Ofsted has recognised the "significant changes" made this year.
“I am delighted that Ofsted has recognised that the significant changes made this year to our Early Years provision and the whole school curriculum are already having a positive impact on children’s knowledge and skills at St Keverne Primary School,” Mrs Woodhouse said.
“Our journey of rapid school improvement continues at pace with the full support of the Aspire Academy Trust which we joined in January 2023, and I am so proud of the commitment and boundless energy my staff have shown during this time of rapid adjustment.
“Ofsted has recognised that every pupil feels safe, confident and well cared for at school and this is something very special to me.”
Mrs Woodhouse also said that she is looking forward to “celebrating more positive learning outcomes in the new academic year.”
Coverack was then visited in May.
“Coverack is a happy friendly place,” said one pupil to inspectors. “We are a small school but a big family.”
Inspectors noted that Coverack staff “know their pupils and families well,” and “parents and carers value the school’s caring ethos.”
Since Coverack’s last inspection, inspectors said that the trust “has supported the school heavily to make many positive changes and explained that “younger pupils now learn in a stimulating and engaging environment, designed to enhance their learning”.
The report also noted how learning is now mostly ‘well matched’ to pupils' needs, therefore making their attitude towards learning ‘highly positive.’
Inspectors praised the school for improving pupils’ behaviour and noted that ‘bullying is rare’ at Coverack.
The report complements the significant staff training and says that “staff have been trained in methods of effective teaching.”
While the report mentioned Coverack’s previous “long period of decline”, it went on to acknowledge that the school has “started to improve the quality of education.”
The report also noted: “Except for early reading, the trust identified that the curriculum was not fit for purpose and needed a complete rebuild from early years to year six. It has done so through partnerships with other schools as well as using the expertise of its leadership team.”
And it adds: “Teachers provide work closely matched to the curriculum’s aims. They consider the different needs within the mixed-age classes. The impact can be seen in pupils’ recall of their most recent learning. For example, pupils talk in detail about why the Vikings invaded Britain.
“Nevertheless, due to the historic weaknesses, pupils still have significant gaps in their knowledge of the wider curriculum. They have difficulty connecting new learning to previous content. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
"On some occasions, teachers do not address misconceptions that pupils have. Consequently, gaps in knowledge persist.”
Coverack Primary School's headteacher Jane Talbot is looking forward to seeing the full impact the new curriculum brings.
She said: “Coverack Primary School joined the Aspire Academy Trust in January 2023 and since then, the trust and teachers have invested significant time and effort to make a range of positive changes, not least the creation of an ambitious and inclusive whole school curriculum and stimulation and engaging environment to enhance our children’s learning.
“The school’s rapid journey of improvement is exciting, and I can’t wait to see the full learning impact our new curriculum changes bring in the years to come.
“It’s a mighty team effort and I am indebted to the grit and determination of my dedicated teaching staff and the continued support of Aspire.”
To see the full report for St Keverne, visit ofsted.gov.uk using reference code 50247383.
To see the full report for Coverack, visit ofsted.gov.uk reference code 50250511.
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