An ‘oversubscribed’ Reading primary school has been praised by education watchdog, Ofsted, for their happy and cohesive community and watertight safeguarding.

White Knights Primary School, located on Fairlawn Green received a ‘good’ rating in a recent inspection on 28th February and 1st March.

This is their first Ofsted inspection following their conversion to Academy status in January 2022.

The report highlights the academic rigour and high achievement of the pupils who enjoy the school's structured curriculum. Inspectors said that ‘a sound awareness begins in nursery and flows through to phonics in reception.’

A unique aspect of the curriculum is the opportunity that children have, to learn new and unusual subjects such as Latin, which is often only taught within private institutions.

The report adds: “Pupils work with positive attitudes. They settle to work quickly, try their best and are proud of their achievements.”

The excellent reputation of the school amongst parents was also recognised. Inspectors explained following discussions on their visit: “Parents hold the school in high esteem and are full of praise for the education and care that their children receive.”

Due to the high quality of teaching and safeguarding that is outlined in this report, the school often finds itself oversubscribed.

Francois Walker, Headteacher, says: “I am delighted that the positive attitudes of our pupils and the ongoing support of families for the school has been recognised. I’m proud of the dedication that staff give to pupils each and every day.

"Leading Whiteknights is an honour and a privilege. I’m more excited than ever about our future!”

In addition to the school's high praises, Ofsted commented on the support and training offered by the Bellevue Place Education Trust (BPET), and noticed how the school leaders’ ambitions are clear and fully aligned with the trust's aspirations.

They report that: "The trust’s regular reviews support leaders well in fulfilling their roles and hold them to account. Staff benefit from sharing good practice with their counterparts in other schools within BPET.

“They enjoy working at the school and appreciate leaders’ work to help them manage workload. New entrants to the profession value their good-quality training." 

Laura Gregory, BPET Director of Education, says: "We are really proud that Ofsted identified Whiteknights Primary School's curriculum as their greatest strength, together with clear leadership and meticulous attention to safeguarding issues.

"And we are also very pleased that the work we put in to support and train our staff shone through. We are a family of schools and a school’s success is shared for all schools to learn from.”