Hill Mead Primary School in Brixton has been rated “outstanding in all areas” after a July inspection by the education inspectorate Ofsted. Ofsted praised the school’s “rich and exciting” curriculum and pupils’ “exceptional attitude towards learning”. Inspectors found that Hill Mead provided “an environment where pupils believe that they can do well and see no limits to the standards they can reach or to what they can achieve in life”. Awarding Hill Mead an “outstanding” in all areas, including quality of teaching and early years provision, the inspectors commended the “very strong” relationships between staff and pupils, as well as the teachers’ “high-quality lessons that are matched well to pupils’ needs and abilities”. The school’s curriculum was cited as a “particular strength” that had a “strong impact on how well pupils achieve”. Inspectors were impressed by the variety and frequency of educational trips, which built on pupils’ engagement with their learning. Ofsted also recognised that the partnerships Hill Mead formed with external organisations like the Royal Opera House and National Theatre provide a broad and enriching range of opportunities for its pupils. Pupils’ behaviour was exemplary “because expectations are extremely high and routines are very well established”. There was “a calm and orderly atmosphere in every classroom and this allows pupils to concentrate on their work and to achieve well”. Hill Mead Primary School has had a regular feature in Brixton Blog’s sister newspaper, the Brixton Bugle for more than a year. Until the July inspection this year, Hill Mead had been rated as “good” from a previous 2009 Ofsted inspection. Headteacher Richard West said: “I believe we are outstanding every day – not just when the Ofsted inspectors are in. The behaviour all around the school is impeccable, all our curriculum is designed by our teachers and our pupils love learning and can think for themselves.” The full Ofsted report can be found on the school’s website.
