Ofsted Report

Harris Primary Academy Philip Lane Continues to be “Outstanding” 

Following a visit in June 2024, Ofsted inspectors have confirmed that Harris Primary Academy Philip Lane continues to be “Outstanding”.  This is fantastic news and is testament to our entire Academy community – staff, parents and our exceptional pupils. 

The inspectors have given us a superb report in which they have praised the way in which we teach and nurture our pupils.  The report begins with ‘Pupils love coming to this school’ and goes on to praise our ‘ambitious’ curriculum, our expert teachers and the ‘impeccable behaviour of our pupils.’   

This report is testament to the hard work and commitment of all the Academy’s staff who work tirelessly for our pupils.  We are fortunate to have a brilliant team at Harris Primary Academy Philip Lane who have made our school such an inspirational place to learn. 

Congratulations to our whole school community on this achievement which comes at the end of another highly-successful year for our Academy. 

Here is what the inspectors said about us: 

On how much our pupils enjoy coming to school: 

• “Pupils love coming to this school.  They arrive happily each day ready to grow in their knowledge and confidence through their learning.”

On our high expectations: 

• “The school have put their three ‘Rs’ of ‘respect, responsibility and resilience’ at the heart of all that happens here.” 

• “Day-to-day school life is based on a shared vision of everyone achieving success together.” 

• “The source of pupils’ success is rooted in the school’s aspirational ethos.” 

On our aspirational and focused pupils: 

• “Pupils have a real zest for learning the school’s curriculum.” 

• “Across subjects and year groups, pupils excel in their learning.” 

• “Pupils support each other willingly, inside and outside of lessons.” 

• “Behaviour is impeccable.” 

• “Behaviour is a strength of the school.” 

On our wide-ranging and ambitious curriculum: 

• “[The curriculum] is academically ambitious for all, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.” 

• “Leaders have ensured that pupils learn an ambitious and broad curriculum.” 

• “In early years, children experience an aspirational, carefully designed curriculum that supports them to blossom.” 

On our highly-trained, skilled and inspirational staff: 

• “High levels of teaching expertise play a pivotal role in ensuring that pupils develop a deep and detailed understanding of subject content.” 

• “Pupils appreciate learning from teachers who have an excellent understanding of their subject.” 

• “Training for staff ensures that they have the knowledge and expertise to deliver the curriculum very effectively.” 

• “[Staff] are also able to continually adapt and improve learning so that pupils’ achievement across subjects is exceptionally strong.” 

On the importance of reading at the Academy: 

• “Reading is at the heart of the school.” 

• “The learning of reading is prioritised from the first day of Reception.” 

On our focus on pupils’ personal development: 

• “Pupils’ wider development is at the heart of the curriculum.” 

• “The school ensures that there are rich opportunities, both inside and outside of the classroom, for pupils to grow their leadership skills and cultural capital.” 

• “High-quality experiences foster pupils’ wider cultural awareness and understanding.” 

The full report is available here.