welcome to our school - william shrewsbury · welcome to william shrewsbury school! this prospectus...
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WELCOME TO OUR SCHOOL
A member of the Central Co-operative Learning Trust
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Photographs courtesy of Academy Photographers
Dear Parents
Welcome to William Shrewsbury School!
This prospectus is intended to help you to know more about the life and work of our
large and vibrant primary school.
We are a Co-operative academy with strong values and a friendly family atmosphere;
everyone who works here wants to give your child the best possible start in their
education. Our aim is to provide a stimulating and caring environment where your
child will feel safe and secure. We offer a wide range of exciting learning
opportunities delivered by a skilled and experienced staff. We strive to help each
child to develop in the knowledge, skills and understanding to become a confident and
independent learner. We place great emphasis on basic skills of English and Maths,
as these provide the foundation for all other areas of learning. However, we also
recognise the importance of a broad and balanced curriculum and of fostering
physical, creative, social, moral and spiritual development. We work hard to ensure
that we provide for the all round development and wellbeing of each individual child.
We attach great importance to the development of social skills. We encourage
children to be self-disciplined in their behaviour, to build good relationships with
other children and adults and to develop a sense of responsibility towards the needs
and feelings of others. Our staff are a caring and supportive team who work hard to
develop the strength and interest of every child.
Our school is a well-resourced, bright and colourful environment. The school
buildings are attractive and well maintained and the grounds have large grassed
areas, quiet gardens and play equipment. We work closely with the other schools in
our MAT, the Central Co-operative Learning Trust.
We are very proud of our school and the children and staff who learn and work
together here. We look forward to working in partnership with you to make the
start of your child’s educational journey a happy and successful one.
If you have any particular questions or concerns please ask when you visit us.
Elaine Curtis
Headteacher
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SCHOOL TIMES
Nursery 8.45am – 11.45am
(part time) or 12.15pm – 3.15pm
Reception 8.55am – 12.00 noon
(full time) 1.10pm – 3.05pm
Infants 8.55am – 12.00 noon
(Years 1 & 2) 1.10pm – 3.10pm
Juniors 8.55am – 12.25pm
1.25pm – 3.25pm
Please make sure your child arrives
promptly every day. School gates open
at 8.45 a.m.
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We organise our large primary school into three departments. Each of these
has three parallel single age classes in each year group. Children are mostly
taught in mixed ability classes in the direct care of their class teacher,
though children may also work with other teachers and children in their year
group. Teaching Assistants help the teachers in the classrooms and parents
are very welcome to join a rota to help in the classrooms as well.
The Infant Department
a) The Early Years Foundation Stage – Nursery and Reception
The aim here is to create a happy, welcoming and secure environment in which
the young child can develop confidence, individuality and good learning habits,
as well as understanding how to work with consideration for other children
and adults. It is at this early age that we lay the foundations of learning
through the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills and attitudes. A range
of planned activities are based on the early learning goals and divided into six
areas of learning, using both the indoor and outdoor classroom.
b) Key Stage 1
There are three Year 1 classes (6 year olds) and three Year 2 classes (7 year
olds). Here the work done in Reception is further developed or built on.
Phonics, Reading, Writing and Maths are taught every day and other subjects
are taught mainly through cross-curricular themes which provide interest and
relevance to children of this age. Both independent work and team work are
encouraged, with emphasis on first-hand experiences.
School Structure
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The Lower Junior Department
There are three Year 3 classes (8 year olds) and three Year 4 classes (9 year
olds).
In Year 3 and 4 the children are taught mainly in ability groups in their own
classes, but they are taught in sets for Maths. Science and other foundation
subjects are taught in mixed ability groups and where appropriate on a cross-
curricular basis. There is some specialist teaching.
Upper Junior Department
There are three Year 5 classes (10 year olds) and three year 6 classes (11
year olds). Children learn through a structured programme in the core
subjects as well as through more extensive cross-curricular projects which
strengthen individual and group study skills. The basic skills of Maths and
English are taught daily in sets. The children also have the opportunity to
widen their experiences through educational visits, field trips, and visiting
speakers. Year 6 teachers work with de Ferrers Academy staff to make the
transfer to Key Stage 3 as smooth as possible.
The Central Co-operative Learning Trust Vision and Values
Children are at the heart of all that we do. Through high standards and
expectations our Trust provides an education which encourages and inspires a
love of learning with limitless possibilities for every individual to be the best
they can be. Through the embodiment of the Co-operative Values, we are
committed to understanding and developing the whole child, enabling them to
become enlightened, productive and responsible citizens. Working
collaboratively, we innovate and share exceptional practice to raise
aspirations, achieve excellence and promote community cohesion.
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Here are some of the awards that we have achieved in recognition of the
excellent work done by children and staff in these areas.
The school has twice achieved the prestigious Artsmark Gold. This
reflects the very high standards we have in Drama, Music, Dance and
Art. Our children have many opportunities to take part in musical
events and concerts. We were awarded Artsmark Platinum in October
2015
The National Basic Skills Quality Mark recognises our good practice in
Literacy and Numeracy. We have been awarded this 4 times. We now
have a ten year award.
We are a Staffordshire Healthy School and promote the benefits of
exercise, healthy eating, fitness and emotional wellbeing.
We were the first school in Staffordshire to achieve the Science Gold
Quality Mark for our very good teaching and learning in this subject.
This has been awarded twice.
We are holders of the Green Flag Award. We have an ECO Club who
work hard to help our school to be a greener school through recycling,
solar panels and growing vegetables.
Every child has every chance to enjoy playing games and develop a range
of skills. We participate in inter-school competitions in the following
sports: Athletics, High Fives, Hockey, Swimming, Kwik cricket,
Rounders and Football. We also offer several popular extra-curricular
physical activity clubs.
We were one of the first five schools in the country to obtain the
Geography Quality Mark Gold.
The Leading Parent Partnership Award recognises our commitment to
working with parents. Our Parent Forum @ William Shrewsbury meet
regularly to discuss ways we can work together.
We were one of the first of six schools in the country to be awarded
the Co-operative Identity Mark (Established) for our work in promoting
Co-operative Education.
We have full Dyslexia Friendly Status in recognition of the support we
provide for pupils who have specific difficulties with reading and
writing.
School Achievements
The 360 degree safe award acknowledges our hard work teaching
children and the community to stay safe online.
This Level One Award recognises that the values of the UN Convention
on the rights of the Child are becoming embedded into our whole school
community.
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All our staff are involved with the total development and care of your
children. This includes not only their academic progress but also their social,
emotional, physical and spiritual development. This is reflected in our school
aims and values that you can find at the back of this prospectus.
Throughout the school we strive to achieve high standards in all subjects but
particularly in the vital areas of English and Maths. We also try to look
further into the future by helping pupils develop confidence in their own
ability and to be creative in their own thinking. We believe that the best
results are achieved when there is a close partnership between the home and
school. Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and our local
curriculum that reflects our school community and co-operative values.
Assessment and Testing
As well as our own internal arrangements, each child’s progress is measured
against national standards at the ages of 6 (Phonics check), 7 (at the end of
Key Stage 1) and 11 (the end of Key Stage 2). The assessments will be made
in a number of ways, including observations by the teacher as well as written
and practical tests. Together with our regular ongoing assessments this will
give you a clear idea of your child’s progress.
Helping Your Child at Home
Working at home is a valuable part of the teaching and learning process. It
helps you to be a partner in your child’s education.
We expect all pupils to read and share books with their parents and
guardians throughout their time at William Shrewsbury.
Children will have multiplication tables, spellings and other tasks to learn
at home.
Children may be asked to complete unfinished work.
Practice in the basic skills (eg handwriting, certain maths routines) may be
set at the discretion of the class teacher.
Children may be asked to complete projects at home that will support
their learning in class. Parents are very welcome to help with these, which
will often be open ended and fun activities.
Homework tasks will be given to pupils in Year 5 and 6 to help prepare
them for life at high school.
Parents can always ask if there is any other way they can help their children
at home.
The Curriculum
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Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
It is likely that up to 20% of children may need extra help of some kind
during their time at William Shrewsbury. It might be that they are
experiencing learning difficulties, have communication, physical or emotional
needs. Following the guidelines set out in the Code of Practice for Special
Educational Needs and Disabilities we aim to ensure that appropriate support
is available.
Class teachers identify children who are experiencing difficulties and consult
with parents and the Special Education Needs Co-ordinator as to how these
difficulties can be addressed. Children may be withdrawn daily to work in
smaller focused groups or may receive extra support from the classroom
assistant. These children will be monitored and their progress will be closely
tracked. These children may also be put on our School Awareness Register.
If children continue to experience difficulties then the school may request
advice and support from outside agencies such as an Educational Psychologist,
a specialist support teacher or behaviour support. These children will be on
our SEND register and provided with a Personal Learning Plan (PLP) which will
set out targets for development and the support, resources and strategies
that have been put in place.
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Promoting Good Behaviour
Our aim is to develop a child’s self-discipline, self-respect and consideration
for others. We promote a positive approach for good behaviour and good
manners are considered essential. Our five golden rules help to set out the
standard of behaviour expected by all children.
Five Golden Rules
At the heart of our behaviour policy at William Shrewsbury are our Five
Golden Rules. We acknowledge and reward children for good behaviour and
encourage children to follow these rules at home as well as at school. For
those children who break the code of conduct we have sanctions as set out in
our Behaviour Policy which may include the involvement of parents. The Five
Golden Rules form part of our annual Home School Child Agreement.
Anti-Bullying Policy
We aim to provide a safe learning environment free from any threat or fear.
The principle underlying our policy is that all bullying is unacceptable, no
matter what excuses are given to justify it. Bullying can be:
“Incidents of unacceptable behaviour by one or more people, which results in
somebody feeling hurt, threatened or frightened. This can be physical,
verbal or psychological and includes hitting, intimidation, coercion,
ostracising, damaging a person’s property as well as racial, sexual and
disability harassment. This can be short term or continue for a longer period
of time.”
All alleged incidents of bullying are taken seriously and logged on the
appropriate form. The Head, an appropriate member of the Leadership Team
and class teacher are always informed and the action to be taken agreed
upon.
Our full policy is displayed in the main entrance area and on the school
website.
Support For Children
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Safeguarding Children and Child Protection
Parents should be aware that the school will take any reasonable action to
ensure the safety of its pupils. In cases where the school has reason to be
concerned that a child may be subject to ill treatment, neglect or other
forms of abuse, staff have no alternative but to follow Area Safeguarding
Procedures and inform Social Services of their concern.
Additional Support in School
We have regular visits from professionals from other agencies who help us to
meet the needs of our pupils. These include the school nurse, the education
welfare officer, speech and language therapists, special needs and behaviour
support services and educational psychologists. We are very fortunate to
have a trained Inclusion Officer who offers specialist support for pupils with
social and emotional needs and their families.
We work closely with the Local Support Team who will provide swift and
effective support for families who need it.
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We offer regular meetings for parents to learn about their children’s
progress and how to help their child with learning.
We offer the following:
A ‘Meet the Teacher’ meeting at the beginning of the year.
Parent Consultation Evening 1 in the Autumn term where targets for
learning are agreed.
Parent Consultation Evening 2 in the Spring term to review progress of
targets.
A written Annual Report summarises attainment and what needs to be
done during the next school year.
Parents are welcome to discuss their child’s progress at any mutually
convenient time. However, It is important to make an appointment as
teachers can be very busy before and after school.
Home / School Partnership
We have a very active Home School Partnership Steering Group, called
Parents Forum @ William Shrewsbury, who help to organise activities to
promote home school links. We have a wonderful group of parent helpers who
support in the classrooms and we are always looking for new volunteers!
The school also has a flourishing PTA – The Association of Friends of William
Shrewsbury Primary (AFWS). A committee helps to organise fund raising
and social events and all parents are invited to support and attend these.
The money raised is used for various projects to benefit all the children in
school, such as books, computers and sports equipment.
Parental Visits to the School
Parents who are considering sending their children to William Shrewsbury
Primary School are welcome to contact the Headteacher who will be pleased
to explain the admission arrangements and invite them to visit the school.
Support for Parents
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Our school is at the heart of the local community and the building is a
valuable resource to be used by others outside school time.
We have good links with the Parish Council who support us with many projects
in school. The Vicar from St. Mary’s Church is a regular visitor and we also
have visits from members of other places of worship. We visit Stretton pre-
school playgroup and encourage the children to visit with their play workers
before they start school. We also have links with other pre-school providers
in the area. The school is a member of the Central Co-operative Learning
Trust, a group of three local schools who work closely together to raise
standards and provide exciting learning experiences for all the children in the
area.
Attendance
It is very important for your child’s educational progress that they attend
school every day and arrive on time. Please do not take your child out of
school for holidays during term time as this will affect their progress. The
Headteacher is unable to authorise holidays during term time as absence for
only very exceptional circumstances are permitted according to Government
guidelines / regulations.
Absence and Illness
If your child is absent from school for any reason, please contact us on the
morning of absence, before 9.15am, by telephone, email, message or letter.
Try to make medical and dental appointments outside the school day
whenever possible. If you have to take your child out of school for any
reason you must notify us in advance and collect them from the office.
The School and the Community
Useful Information
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School Dinners
We have an onsite school kitchen that prepares nutritious and tasty hot
lunches. There is a choice of main course including a vegetarian option, hot
vegetables or salad, followed by a pudding or fruit. Under the Universal
Infant Free School Meals initiative, every child in the Infants will be entitled
to a free school meal every day. All Infant children will be expected to have
a hot lunch. We are not be able to provide supervision for packed lunches.
For the Juniors we operate an online electronic payment system called
ParentPay, which offers you the freedom to make payments whenever you like
safe in the knowledge that the technology used is the highest internet
security available. You will have a secure online account with a unique user ID
and password. We ask that you pay and book for at least one week in advance.
You will be given details and the user ID as your child starts school.
Snacks and Drinks
Children in the Infants do not need to bring a mid-morning snack as fresh
fruit is provided daily. Junior children are encouraged to bring a healthy
snack of fresh or dried fruit or vegetables for morning break. Healthy snacks
are also available to buy on the school playground.
Drinking water is always available. Children in classes from Reception
upwards may bring a water bottle to use during the day. ONLY water is
permitted in these bottles, which must have a safe, drinking top.
Medicines
If your child requires medicine during the school day, you must sign a
permission form authorising the administration of the medicine. All
medicines must be handed in at the office and kept in the medical inspection
room. Medicines can only be given out at 12.00 noon. We will only administer
prescription medicines and these must be in a labelled bottle that clearly
states the dosage.
Valuables in School
Children should hand any money in to their class teacher on arrival at school.
The money should be in an envelope clearly marked with their name, class and
what the money is for. School cannot be responsible for money left in bags in
the cloakrooms. Mobile phones and other electronic devices are not allowed
in school.
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Breakfast Club
The school operates a very popular and successful club each day from 8.00am
until 8.45am. A nutritious breakfast is available and a variety of games and
activities are organised by school staff to keep the children happy until the
start of school. There is a charge of £2 per day payable online via ParentPay.
Travel to School
We have a lot of traffic around the school. Please try to walk to and from
school if possible or join one of our walking buses. If you have to bring a car
to school, please park carefully with respect for our neighbours. It is an
offence to park on zigzag lines, even for a short period. Parents’ cars are
not allowed on school premises between 8.30am and 9.15am or between
2.45pm and 3.45pm unless you have special permission.
Finding out More
Further information about our school can be found on our website at
www.williamshrewsbury.staffs.sch.uk.
Finally……
You are always welcome to come to school and discuss your child’s progress or
any problems with the teachers. Progress in school depends on a child’s
happiness and the co-operation and relationship between parents and
teachers. Our aim is to give your child a happy and rewarding start to their
education.
Please do not hesitate to contact school if you have any problems or queries
concerning your child’s education or well-being. Often if a minor problem is
dealt with straight away it can be prevented from becoming a real worry or
cause for concern. We all know a happy child is more ready to learn.
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William Shrewsbury Primary School
Church Road
Stretton
Burton on Trent
Staffordshire
DE13 0HE
Telephone 01283 247490
E-Mail [email protected]
Websites www.williamshrewsbury.staffs.sch.uk
Headteacher Mrs E Curtis
Deputy Headteacher Mr M Runacus
Chair of Governors Mrs Linda Perry
William Shrewsbury School is an academy, a member of the Central
Co-operative Learning Trust.
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SCHOOL UNIFORM LIST
There is an optional school uniform.
Sweatshirts, polo shirts, tee-shirts and fleece jackets, all with the school
logo, are available to purchase from Clothing 4 Schools, Unit 1 & 2 Crown
Industrial Estate, Anglesey Road, Burton on Trent. Parents and pupils are
recommended to select the appropriate clothing from the following:
Boys
Grey Trousers or Shorts
Royal Blue Sweatshirt
White Polo Shirt or White Shirt
Blue Tie (available from school) –
£2.50
(Optional but advisable in Year 6)
Girl’s
Grey Skirt, Trousers or Pinafore
Royal Blue Cardigan or Sweatshirt
White Polo Shirt or White Shirt
Royal Blue & White Check Dress
(Summer)
Grey or White Socks or Tights
Blue Tie (available from school) –
£2.50
(Optional but advisable in Year 6)
Fleeces should only be worn outdoors. Clothing displaying pictures or words is
not allowed.
Children should wear sensible black shoes - with safety being of prime
importance - and not trainers or basketball boots.
No jewellery may be worn at any time except wrist-watches and one
sleeper or plain stud earring per ear - both of which must be removed
for all physical education (Parents to remove earrings for younger
children before school). Hair bobbles, slides and headbands should be
plain. No extreme hairstyles are allowed.
To participate fully in physical education it is recommended pupils will have:
Black pumps
White shorts
White T-shirt
Appropriate footwear for football and outdoor games -Years 4, 5, 6
Suitable swimwear (trunks or swimsuit) -Years 3, 4
Bathing cap -Years 3, 4
Towel -Years 3, 4
A draw-string pump bag is preferred with the pupils’ name on the outside.
Because of a lack of cloakroom space, large sports bags are not permitted.
For Art and Technology an apron or other form of protective clothing is
considered essential within KS2.
ATTENDANCE
Absence rate of pupils (excluding Reception children) for the school year 2017 is as
follows:
Number of relevant pupils on roll for at least one session: 635
Sessions missed through authorised absences: 2.40%
Sessions missed through unauthorised absences: 0.70%
ADMISSIONS POLICY
Full time places in Reception classes will be available in September of the academic
year within which the child becomes five years old.
Although parents have the right to express a preference of William Shrewsbury
Primary, there is no guarantee of a place being offered.
It is William Shrewsbury Primary’s policy to try and meet parents’ wishes where
possible, however in some cases there may be more applications than there are places
available. Admission when oversubscribed is determined by the oversubscription
criteria detailed below.
Oversubscription Criteria
If the total number of preferences for admission to William Shrewsbury Primary
exceeds the school’s Published Admission Number (PAN) of 90, the following order
of priority is used to allocate the available places.
1) Children in Care and children who ceased to be in care because they were
adopted (or became subject to a residence order or special guardianship order).
2) Children who have an elder brother or sister in attendance at William
Shrewsbury Primary and who will still be attending the school at the time of the
proposed admission date. (For admission purposes, a brother or sister is a child
who lives at the same address and either: have one or both natural parents in
common; are related by a parents’ marriage; are adopted or fostered by a
common parent or are unrelated children who live at the same address, whose
parents live as partners).
3) Children living within the defined catchment of the preferred setting.
4) Children who satisfy both of the following tests:
Test 1: the child is distinguished from the great majority of other applicants
either on their own individual medical grounds or by other exceptional
circumstances.
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Medical grounds must be supported by a medical report (obtained by the
applicant and provided at the point of application). This report must clearly
justify, for health reasons only, why it is better for the child’s health to attend
the preferred school rather than any other school.
Exceptional circumstances must relate to the choice of school and the individual
child, i.e. the circumstances of the child, not the economic or social
circumstances of the parent/carer. They should be supported by a professional
report (obtained by the applicant and provided at the point of application), e.g.
social worker. This report must clearly justify why it is better for the child to
attend the preferred school rather than any other school.
Test 2: the child would suffer hardship if they were unable to attend William
Shrewsbury Primary School.
Hardship means severe suffering of any kind, not merely difficulty or
inconvenience, which is likely to be experienced as a result of the child attending
a different school. Applicants must provide detailed information about both the
type and severity of any likely hardship at the time of application.
5) Other children arranged in order of priority according to how near their home
addresses are to the main gate of the school, determined by a straight-line
measurement as calculated by the Local Authority’s Geographical Information
System.
NURSERY ADMISSIONS
William Shrewsbury has a governor run nursery unit available to children for three
terms in the academic year prior to full time admittance. The criteria for part time
admission to Nursery is the same as above apart from the number of available places
which is 52. Applications for our nursery setting will be processed by the Central
Co-operative Learning Trust. Please ask at the school office for further details.
Pupils admitted to the school nursery will still be required to register for a place in
Reception and the above criteria will apply.
Please refer to our full admission policies for more details. These are available on the
website.
WILLIAM SHREWSBURY PRIMARY SCHOOL
‘to inspire a love of learning’
We will:
Have the highest expectations of achievement for all
Provide inspirational teaching and learning activities, a safe and
stimulating environment and a creative and inclusive curriculum
Care and support each other; recognise and respect the needs and
talents of every individual
Foster co-operative values and work in partnership with all members of
our school community
Prepare learners to manage change, by encouraging adaptability,
perseverance and personal responsibility
Promote a healthy, active lifestyle, nurturing social and emotional skills
that enable children to make responsible choices about their wellbeing
Equip children with the life skills that will enable them to be happy,
fulfilled, lifelong learners who make positive contributions to society
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WILLIAM SHREWSBURY PRIMARY SCHOOL
OUR SCHOOL VALUES
Respect
Equality
Achievement
Caring
Happiness
Originality
Unity
Trust
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William Shrewsbury School SCHOOL TERMS AND HOLIDAYS 2018/2019
AUTUMN TERM 2018
Staff Training Day Monday 3rd September
School opens for pupils Tuesday 4th September Half Term Monday 29th October to Friday 2nd November
School re-opens for pupils Monday 5th November
School closes Friday 21st December
SPRING TERM 2019
School opens for pupils Monday 7th January
Half Term Monday 18th February to Monday 25th February (incl)
School re-opens for pupils Tuesday 26th February
School closes Friday 12th April SUMMER TERM 2019
School opens for pupils Monday 29th April
May Day holiday Monday 6th May
Half Term Monday 27th May to Monday 3rd June (incl)
School re-opens for pupils Tuesday 4th June
School closes for pupils Friday 19th July In-service training days Monday 3rd September Monday 3rd June Friday 21st September Monday 3rd June Monday 25th February
22001188//1199
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WILLIAM SHREWSBURY PRIMARY 2017 RESULTS
Key Stage 1 At Expected (% GDS in italic):
Subject School County National
English - Reading 84%
(31%) 79%
(28%) 76%
(25%)
English - Writing 82%
(23%) 72%
(17%) 68%
(16%)
Mathematics 89%
(30%) 78%
(22%) 75%
(21%)
Science 87% 85% 83%
RWM 79%
(17%) 67%
(12%) 64%
(11%)
Key Stage 2 At Expected: (% GDS in italic)
Test results
Subject School - Test County National
English - Reading 79%
(30%) 74%
(25%) 71%
(25%)
English - Writing 85%
(29%) 78%
(31%) 76%
(18%)
GPS 85%
(43%)
76% (22%)
77% (31%)
Mathematics 91%
(36%) 77%
(19%) 75%
(23%)
RWM - combined 75%
(15%) 63% (9%)
61% (89%)
Teacher Assessment scores (% GDS in italics)
Subject School - TA County National
English - Reading 85% 82% 79%
English - Writing 85%
(29%) 78%
(19%) 76%
(18%)
Mathematics 86% 78% 76%
Science 93% 85% 82%
RWM - combined 75% 70% 69%
RWMS - combined 75% 70% 69%
All figures are rounded
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