Barton Farm Primary School Rated Outstanding

Barton Farm Primary Academy has been graded as outstanding by Ofsted. The school achieved the top grade in every category and was judged to be outstanding overall, following the inspection in May.

This was the school’s first inspection since opening in September 2020.

Inspectors commented that ‘Pupils love learning at Barton Farm Primary. They are enthusiastic and excited to share what they know and can do. Staff encourage pupils to be curious about the world around them. There are no limits placed on their learning. They are supported to be resilient, proud, kind and creative.’

The report said: ‘Leaders have carefully considered the wider opportunities they want pupils to experience. This element of the school’s work is special. Pupils talk confidently about their community involvement. This includes singing in a local care home and planning and hosting a ‘Community Café’ event. Pupils understand their role as global citizens. Members of the eco-committee know their voice is important in making change. They are proud that their letters to the local councillor resulted in more local litter bins.

Pupils learn and play well together. Relationships with adults are nurturing, warm and friendly. Pupils feel proud when adults notice them trying hard or behaving well. They enjoy getting a ‘high five’ for their efforts and getting a ‘Best Seat in the House’ award in assembly. Pupils are happy and feel safe. They say bullying does not happen, but they know if it does adults will help them. Pupils’ understanding of equality is strong. They value that people are different and therefore recognise everyone as a unique individual.’

‘Pupils achieve very well. Their work is exceptional, whether it is a piece of writing, a creation or a performance. There are many different opportunities for pupils to demonstrate their depth of knowledge. In history, pupils’ writing demonstrates a deep understanding of significant people. In geography, pupils can confidently recall and share what they know about continents and oceans. Pupils’ handwriting also develops well because leaders have carefully considered how they teach handwriting and spelling. Pupils know what to do to improve their work. They learn how to give Inspection report: Barton Farm Primary Academy 17 and 18 May 2023 3 clear feedback to each other as ‘mini coaches’. This high-quality peer feedback helps pupils to succeed.’

Barton Farm Primary Academy is part of the University of Winchester Academy Trust (UWinAT) and opened its doors to its first cohort of pupils during the Covid pandemic.

To find out more about Barton Farm Primary or the University of Winchester Academy Trust, visit bartonfarmacademy.co.uk.