We are pleased to share the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection, which took place earlier this year. The school met the ‘Expected Standard’ in the categories of:

• Achievement, Curriculum and Teaching
• Personal Development and Wellbeing

Under Ofsted’s new inspection framework, single-word judgements such as “Good” are no longer used. Instead, “Expected Standard” is the benchmark for schools that are performing well and meeting the standards expected by Ofsted.

The report also identified some areas as ‘Needs Attention’, meaning that while the expected standards have not yet been fully met, inspectors recognised that the school is in a position to make the necessary improvements.

Inspectors highlighted the strong progress the school has made in recent years, noting that pupils’ achievement is improving securely over time. The report recognised that outcomes in national examinations have risen recently and that pupils’ current work demonstrates this positive trend is continuing.

The inspection team also acknowledged the decisive action taken by school leaders to improve pupils’ learning. Inspectors stated that pupils now move through the curriculum with increasing confidence and success, and that across the school pupils are securing the essential knowledge and skills they need, particularly in reading, communication and mathematics.
We were especially pleased that the report recognised the progress being made for pupils with SEND. Inspectors commented that teachers know their pupils well and adapt their teaching appropriately, helping most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, to learn successfully. Staff training to support pupils with SEND was also praised.

The school’s personal development programme received very positive feedback. Inspectors noted that pupils benefit from a thoughtfully constructed programme that is woven throughout the curriculum and enriched through a wide range of opportunities including sport, music, the arts and drama.

The report also highlighted the school’s work in preparing pupils for the future. Inspectors found that pupils gain a secure understanding of future pathways in education, employment and apprenticeships, enabling them to make informed decisions about their next steps.

In addition, inspectors recognised the effectiveness of the school’s pastoral support, noting that staff provide tailored support and spaces to meet pupils’ emotional wellbeing needs.

Overall, the report acknowledged that many pupils have a positive experience at the school, enjoy learning and benefit from a curriculum that is increasingly ambitious, carefully planned and delivered through engaging lessons.
While we are encouraged by the positive feedback in the report, we are equally committed to addressing the areas identified for further improvement. We remain ambitious for every child and are continuing to work hard to ensure all pupils receive a high-quality education, enjoy coming to school and feel excited about their future.

You can read the full Ofsted report here.