Newcastle CofE Primary School, Craven Arms

What is it like to attend this school?

There is a family feel to Newcastle CofE Primary. Because of its size, everyone knows and cares for one another. Older pupils look after younger pupils and are positive role models to them. For example, they play an active role in assemblies to encourage all to take part. At social times, pupils from all year groups play happily together. They respect any differences between them. One pupil captured the feelings of others, describing the school as 'special' because of how well everyone gets on with each other.

Pupils enjoy their lessons and time in school. They rise to the high expectations their teachers have of them. They like the opportunities to learn in different ways. This includes learning in the outdoor classroom and forest school. Pupils go on memorable trips to enhance their learning, such as to museums and a historic prison.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Leaders have designed a well-thought-out curriculum. They have made sure that it covers the national curriculum and have adapted the sequence of learning to take account of the mix of year groups in each class. The curriculum includes topics that support pupils' future aspirations and learning about their community. For instance, key stage 2 pupils learn about the local area, farming methods and food production as part of the 'Our land, our lives and future livelihoods' unit of work. Pupils achieve high-quality outcomes that reflect their success as learners.

Teachers carefully organise learning in lessons to ensure that each pupil makes progress over time within the shared topic being covered. Learning activities are chosen to encourage pupils to discuss their learning. Pupils work well independently and support each other if they get stuck. Children in the early years benefit from the presence of older pupils, who help them to develop important personal and social skills. As such, pupils are confident and articulate when talking to each other and adults.

Leadership & management.

Bus Stops