Abbey Catholic Primary School, Birmingham, West Midlands

“Pupils benefit from high-quality phonics lessons taught by expert staff. […] pupils achieve exceedingly well in phonics lessons. A genuine love of reading and books is evident across the school. Pupils talk with joy about a wide range of different texts that they have read.”
School Inspection: Good
Previous Inspection: Good

North Mead Primary Academy, Leicestershire

“The school prioritises reading. Those who are learning to read swiftly receive the help they need. Extra phonics sessions are in place, which helps some pupils keep up with the phonics programme and succeed. Reading books are matched effectively to the sounds that pupils are learning. Pupils become confident, fluent readers.”
School Inspection: Good
Previous Inspection: Good

Flanderwell Primary School, Rotherham, South Yorkshire

“The school prioritises reading. Children begin learning phonics from the moment they start in the Reception class. The school ensures that staff have the knowledge and
expertise to teach the phonics curriculum well. Pupils, including those with SEND, progress successfully through the phonics programme, confidently applying their phonics knowledge when they write.”
School Inspection: Outstanding
Previous Inspection: Outstanding

Priestmead Primary School and Nursery, Harrow, London

“Staff receive excellent training to deliver the phonics programme expertly. Pupils therefore learn the sounds that letters make securely. There is a comprehensive catch-up programme to ensure that all pupils become fluent readers. The school ensures that pupils are exposed to a diverse range of books during their time at the school, including modern classics and Shakespearean sonnets.”
School Inspection: Outstanding
Previous Inspection: Outstanding

All Souls C of E Primary School, Heywood, Lancashire

“A love of reading permeates the school. […] Staff have a strong understanding of the early reading curriculum, and they deliver the phonics programme with considerable flair and expertise.”
School Inspection: Outstanding
Previous Inspection: Outstanding

Our Lady of Grace RC Infant and Nursery School, Cricklewood, London

“Leaders have promoted a positive reading culture that begins in the early years. Staff are experts in enabling pupils to learn new sounds. As a result, children learn to read and write sounds rapidly and accurately.”
School Inspection: Outstanding
Previous Inspection: Outstanding

Selborne Primary School, Greenford, London

“Learning to read and becoming a fluent reader are absolute priorities for the school. Staff are trained as expert teachers of reading. […] Pupils show a genuine love of reading and of books. They talk with joy about a wide range of different texts.”
School Inspection: Outstanding
Previous Inspection: Outstanding

Lacey Green Primary Academy, Wimslow, Cheshire

“The school places reading at the heart of all learning. […] In the Reception Year, there is a sharp focus on ensuring that children start learning the phonics code straight away. They quickly gain the necessary knowledge to read books that match the sounds that they know.”
School Inspection: Good
Previous Inspection: N/A

Four Dwellings Primary Academy, Quinton, Birmingham

“Reading is at the heart of the school. […] The teaching of early reading skills is a strength of the school. Pupils who need support receive it quickly. Pupils love reading and make good progress in their phonics learning.”
School Inspection: Good
Previous Inspection: Requires Improvement

Emmaus Church of England and Catholic Primary School, Croxteth, Merseyside

“Staff are experts at teaching phonics. Pupils, including those with SEND, who may find reading more difficult, receive the targeted help that they need. Pupils secure the basics of reading in their memory quickly and securely. This enables them to read fluently and to access the richness of other parts of the school’s curriculum.”
School Inspection: Outstanding
Previous Inspection: Outstanding