About Us

Headteacher’s Message: On behalf of the children, staff and governors of Corporation Road Community Primary School, I would like to welcome you to our school website. The quality of education and provision has improved dramatically in school since I became the Headteacher in September 2015 and especially since the Ofsted inspection in February 2016. Validated national assessment information confirms that pupils who left Year 6 in 2018 made well above average progress in reading, writing and mathematics. The school is in the top 5% of schools nationally for progress between KS1 and KS2 for writing and maths, and in the top 25% for reading. Pupil premium pupils made better progress in writing and maths than ‘other’ pupils nationally. The ‘low and middle prior attainment’ pupil groups also made particularly impressive gains. Because of the outstanding progress Year 6 pupils made during their time at the school, 62% of pupils met the required standards in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to the 64% seen nationally. Average scores in reading were 102 compared to 105 nationally, while average scores in maths at 104 equalled the national average. The ethos of the school is to ensure teaching and learning is clearly focused on 'all of the children, all of the time'. Underpinning this is a whole school culture, which is clearly focused on supporting and developing the self-image of each child. Behaviour and attitudes to learning across school are good. Pupils are polite and courteous, for example they hold doors open for visitors and each other without being prompted. They conduct themselves in a confident, respectful manner. Relationships between adults and pupils are constructive, with positive attitudes to learning and behaviours celebrated in class and whole school. The curriculum of the school caters for all cultures and faiths, including the promotion of fundamental British values. Pupils show a strong sense of respect for others' values and faiths; accepting, celebrating and embracing the range of faiths and religions represented across the school. High aspirations and always striving to be the best are evident across school. Children are given opportunities to experience university life and investigate lifelong learning and career opportunities. The school is now part of the LIngfield Education Trust and has a Local Advisory Board. The Governing Body consists of Valerie Johnston, Chair of the Local Advisory Board, Mr. N Blackburn, CEO Lingfield Education Trust, Mr. S Crowther, (Looked After Children & Health & Safety), Mrs. A Pringleton (Headteacher), Mr. J Steel (Safeguarding), Mrs. Chris Archer, Associate Member (Head of Early Years, Darlington Borough Council). From the minute you step into the building, the rise in aspirations and expectations and the care and love provided for the pupils is palpable; through the flowers, calm music and relaxing aromas to the attention to detail in displays. Significant alterations have also been made to the internal and external learning environments to support improvements in teaching and learning and better outcomes for all children The school is committed to high standards in all areas of the curriculum and all staff in school have very high expectations of both the children and themselves. The school sees itself as being at the heart of the community, adopting the moral values and ethics of the cultures and diverse backgrounds of our families. In January 2019 the school was awarded ‘The Well-Being Award for Schools’. Strengths identified in the review:

• Corporation Road is a school where the mental health and wellbeing of all is a foundation principle. The school has a designated Emotional Wellbeing Lead who works effectively with the Senior Leaders and staff to ensure support for all. The Leadership team are determined to address potential barriers for any stakeholders. Because of this, the whole school community feels highly valued.
• The CEO of the Trust encapsulated the provision of the school when stating, “…the support for all reflects the ‘extra-mileness’ of the school.”
• The staff work together effectively and support each other. The shared values of the staff team are clearly evident.
• Effective professional development has ensured the staff have the skills to support pupils.
• Parents feel that the staff are very approachable and the school is welcoming. Due to this, parents feel secure when needing to contact school. One parent said, “…it (the school) is like one big extended family where everyone feels safe.”
• Pupils have aspirations and are clearly grateful for the support they receive. They value how approachable the staff are. They are very proud of their school.
• Pupils feel very safe and have complete trust in the adults to help with any issues raised.

• The school is a very welcoming, nurturing and happy school. It is an organised and very effective learning environment. The highest standards of the leaders and staff are reflected in all areas of the school.
• A culture of mutual respect has resulted in a team whose morale is high and a staff who are very proud of their school.
• Leaders have developed effective strategies to ensure they support and promote staffs’ mental health and wellbeing.
• Staff feel valued for their important role of teaching and supporting pupils.
• As a result of working towards the WAS award, leaders and staff have a clear view of their effective practice and how they wish to develop this even further.

• I am very pleased with my second choice as my child is coming on lovely and enjoys school
• We are very pleased with our child’s education at Corporation Road – thank you
• Extremely pleased and have applied for my younger son to Corporation Road this coming September. My son has achieved what he should be and has enjoyed coming to school. Staff very friendly/approachable and professional. I would highly recommend the school to others.
• Very happy with my second-choice school
• I’m very pleased with what they have learned so far. I understand they find it difficult because English is not their first language. They will get there hopefully with wonderful support of their teachers

• Close to home and community x15
• My children learn tolerance and are tolerated in school and good school prestige x2
• Brilliant teaching
• Taught very well in various subjects
• Safe school and well on security
• Teachers are approachable
• My child gets all the support and help he needs
• She’s learned manners and understand what is wrong and right. She loves school because she loves her teacher and can approach her any time. It’s close to home and my old school.
• Big progress in learning
• Breakfast club
• Good learning
• He is happy and well taught
• He learns lots of things and he understands how to respect other cultures
• Good education and learns to live well in the community with all cultures and religions
• My child will have a good education. The school has a good reputation.
• I know school and teachers well. Good reputation.
• Brilliant school and staff. Thank you for looking after my son all these years
• Plenty of after school activities available. Excellent staff. He is achieving everything he should be. Flexible breakfast club helps working parents.
• To start with the school is very close to our home, then Corporation Road has a good reputation. My daughter feels safe and happy at this school. I’m confident attending this school will help my daughter in the future.
• Well looked after. Support for families is amazing. Children love it.
• This school is very good. Good reputation in the community. High achievement, my child’s religion and culture will be respected.
• Good education. Teachers are nice and kind
• Multicultural school, lets children practice their religion and respect each other’s religion

• The Headteacher and her staff are working hard to build confidence and inspire all of their school children to move forward into a better life.
• Once inside the school austerity changes to warmth and colour created by inspirational photographs and bright happy paintings courtesy of the children. The little ones themselves look smart in their school uniform and genuine happiness seems to be the order of the day with many displaying levels of confidence that exceed their young ages.
• This joy, enthusiasm and atmosphere for learning was acknowledged recently by the Lord Lieutenant Mrs Sue Snowden a past Head Teacher herself, during her visit to Corporation Road School when she said to the Head Teacher and myself how impressed she was with the school, its staff and the rich learning environment where every child was encouraged to reach their full potential.

• The positive emotional health and well-being of every child and member of staff is central to everything we do.
• We focus on all of the children, all of the time
• Children know that we want them to succeed.
• They get the best start in life and are well prepared for the challenges later.
• Are happy, confident and want to learn.
• Make really good academic progress every single year.
• Experience a range of opportunities in and outside school that inspire them and widen their horizons.
• Are protected and nurtured, yet encouraged to be independent.
• Are open minded and reject all types of discrimination.
• Can trust each other and all the adults that work with them.