Following an inspection at Bannockburn Primary School in Plumstead High Street on June 10 and 11, 2025, the school was judged outstanding in all areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
Inspectors said pupils were “polite and welcoming to visitors” and praised their “enthusiasm” for taking on leadership roles and representing the school in competitions and fixtures.
Parents and carers, including those of children with special educational needs and disabilities, were found to be “very positive about the many opportunities the school provides for their children.”
Relationships across the school were described as “warm and respectful” and part of a “highly supportive and nurturing environment for learning.”
Pupils were found to “embrace new knowledge and love to talk about what they know,” with many actively looking for opportunities to demonstrate the school’s values through kindness, positivity and being a role model.
The curriculum was called “broad” and “ambitious,” starting from national expectations and “carefully sequenced so that pupils build on what they already know.”
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Teachers were praised for making “frequent checks” on pupils’ learning and for “skilfully” linking lessons to wider themes so pupils become articulate and knowledgeable.
In the early years, children benefit from an “exciting and enabling learning environment” where they learn to maintain focus and develop strong communication skills.
SEND provision was described as swift and effective, with some pupils learning key content in advance so they can participate fully alongside their peers.
Reading was said to be “brought to life” through “engaging and animated reading sessions” and an expertly delivered phonics programme.
Pupils who struggle are quickly identified and given additional support to become “fluent and confident readers.”
Personal development was judged “exceptional,” with every pupil from Year 2 part of a leadership group that makes “a tangible contribution to the daily life of the school.”
Opportunities range from writing the school blog as part of the media team to learning practical repair skills as part of the premises group.
Trips, including the Year 5 residential, are “carefully planned to support and enhance pupils’ learning” and help prepare them for secondary school.
Inspectors concluded that “pupils are rarely absent,” staff are “happy and proud to work here,” and that Bannockburn “puts pupils at the centre of its decision-making,” ensuring they achieve well from their different starting points.
