“A calm, purposeful atmosphere supports respectful interactions between adults and pupils,” inspectors said after praising the culture of learning at a Devon primary where pupils are described as “happy, kind and eager to learn”.
Torre Church of England Academy in Torquay has been commended by Ofsted inspectors for strong achievement, behaviour and teaching following an inspection on January 20.
The school, located on Barton Road in the Devon seaside town, has 321 pupils and is led by head teacher Laura Kendell.
Inspectors found that pupils consistently perform well academically, with outcomes that exceed national averages by the end of key stage 2.
The report states: “Pupils achieve well at Torre C of E Academy. Leaders’ aspiration of academic excellence is reflected in the outcomes of pupils. Staff track pupils skills in early reading, writing and mathematics rigorously across the school and act swiftly to close any gaps. By the end of key stage 2, the majority of pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, achieve above national averages in all standardised tests.”
It continues: “Year 4 multiplication outcomes and phonics results also exceed national figures. This strong performance reflects the school’s high-quality curriculum and consistently high expectations. This means that most pupils are ready for their next phase of learning.”
Inspectors also highlighted strong progress in the early years, noting that many children start school with lower than average development levels but quickly build essential skills.
“Although some pupils in the early years start school with lower than average levels of development, most quickly gain the language, communication, number, phonics and handwriting skills they need for Year 1,” the report states.
Attendance and behaviour were also described as strengths. Leaders were praised for their work with families and their focus on building positive relationships to support regular attendance.
“Leaders hold high ambitions for attendance and make it a clear priority. Their work has made regular attendance a strength of the school,” inspectors wrote. “Attendance for all pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, sits above national averages.”
Behaviour in classrooms and around the school was equally positive. Inspectors said: “Learning behaviours are a strength of the school. Pupils are active, engaged and eager to learn. They respond quickly to teacher direction and show consistently positive attitudes in every classroom. A calm, purposeful atmosphere supports respectful interactions between adults and pupils.”
The report emphasised that bullying is not a significant concern at the school, adding that pupils show empathy and treat each other with respect during social times.
Inspectors also praised the school’s ambitious curriculum, which combines academic learning with a focus on character development.
“Leaders have designed an ambitious and research-informed curriculum. They have carefully combined their three core priorities of academic excellence, metacognition and character education to ensure that learning builds securely from pre-school onwards,” the report says.
In early years provision, inspectors found strong practice and high-quality interactions between adults and children. “Warm, high-quality and purposeful interactions between adults and children are evident throughout,” they wrote, noting that staff quickly identify children’s needs and plan learning experiences to address gaps in development.
The inspection also highlighted the school’s inclusive approach, with staff working closely with families and external agencies to support pupils with additional needs. “Leaders know pupils’ needs extremely well. They identify these needs as soon as children join the school,” the report says, adding that early support means many pupils do not require additional interventions later.
Personal development opportunities were another key strength, with the school offering a wide range of experiences beyond the classroom. The report notes that the school’s “eleven before eleven” initiative gives pupils opportunities such as visiting a university, eating in a restaurant and attending theatre performances. These activities are designed to broaden pupils’ horizons and raise aspirations.
Inspectors summarised pupils’ experience of school life by writing: “Pupils at Torre C of E Academy are happy, kind and eager to learn. They arrive at school ready to participate and show clear pride in their work.”
