Merrydale Junior is larger than the average-sized primary school. There are four classes in each of Years 3, 4 and 5, and three classes in Year 6. Pupils are grouped by ability for mathematics in Years 4, 5 and 6, and by ability for English in every year group. Pupils come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and nearly two thirds speak English as an additional language. An increasing number of pupils are at an early stage of learning English. Many more pupils than seen nationally join the school at times other than the usual entry points. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is above average. The proportion of pupils who are supported by the pupil premium (the additional funding allocated by the government for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and children in the care of the local authority) is above average. The school meets the government’s current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils’ attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics. Since the previous inspection, there has been a significant turnover of staff. Nine new teachers have been appointed, including one newly qualified teacher in September 2014. The school works with Challenge Partners, a nationwide organisation that supports schools to improve their performance. There is a breakfast club adjacent to the school site, but it is not managed by the governing body and did not form part of this inspection.