Ofsted gives credit for Lambourn improvement
They cited the headteacher Andrew Higgs’ leadership, vision and drive as key factors in the school’s improvement.
It was noted that pupils show a keen interest in their learning and that their good attitudes and behaviour support their learning well.
Inspectors also noted that children in nursery and reception have a successful start to school and make good progress and that “good progress continues from Years 1 to 6.”
The report added: “In some classes, pupils’ attitudes and behaviour are outstanding. Pupils feel safe and well cared for by staff.
“Other key leaders, members of the governing body and the local authority have played a valuable part in improving the school.”
However, the report went on: “It is not yet an outstanding school because, in just a few lessons, teachers give work that is too easy or too difficult for some pupils; pupils do not always have sufficient opportunities to to plan and organise their own learning and some of the more-able pupils could reach higher standards in writing.”
Parents and carers who responded to Parent View and to the school’s own survey stated that their children were “happy, safe and well looked after.”
Mr Higgs, in his second year of headship at the 200-pupil school, said: “I’m delighted with this report and cannot praise the staff, governors and pupils enough.
“The support of parents and the local community has been invaluable in achieving this success. We will continue to work hard towards achieving ‘outstanding’ by improving the provision for more able students and encouraging pupils to plan and organise their own learning.”
West Berkshire's Executive Councillor for Education, Irene Neill (Con, Aldermaston) said: “The positive views of the parents reflect the findings of the inspection.
“The school is doing very well indeed and according to Ofsted is extremely close to being graded 'outstanding'. They should be very proud of their achievement."
The entire report can be viewed online at