School branded ‘inadequate’ is looking good now
A SCHOOL that was deemed inadequate three years ago is celebrating after being judged as ‘good’ by government inspectors.
Grasmere Academy, in Killingworth, North Tyneside, was criticised by education watchdog Oftsed in 2014.
At the time, inspectors said the school had “serious weaknesses” and highlighted a number of factors.
They said pupils’ learning was inadequate because teachers did not have accurate knowledge of what pupils already knew and could do, and what they were ready to learn next.
They also stated the achievement of pupils was inadequate from Year 1 to Year 6, and the attainment of Year 6 pupils who left the academy in 2013 was significantly below the national average in reading, writing and mathematics.
Since then, major efforts have been made to tackle weaknesses in the school and raise standards.
Now the academy has seen a dramatic turnaround and the latest Ofsted inspection resulted in an overall rating of ‘good.’
The report praised the “unwavering focus” of school leaders, a broad curriculum that is carefully planned to “excite and entice” pupils, strong governance, and a welcoming, inclusive environment.
The ‘good’ score was given in all four categories – achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety, and leadership and management.
During the inspection, the panel observed lessons and met with governors, staff and a group of pupils, and also considered the views of parents collected through the Parent View online survey.
Headteacher Kerry Lilico said they were thrilled with the outcome.
She added: “This is a huge achievement. Three years ago, this school was deemed as inadequate.
“We have done an awful lot of hard work and we are in celebration mode at the moment - celebrating all our successes with children, the parents and the whole community. “I am so incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a school and community and it’s wonderful to have this externally verified by Ofsted.
“Grasmere is a very special school, where children are nurtured and taught through an exciting curriculum and enriched experiences that prepare them well for their future. “The school offers a warm, friendly and welcoming environment, where children can achieve their full potential regardless of ability. I would like to thank everyone including our governors, staff, parents and pupils, for helping to bring success back to Grasmere.
“We are really looking forward to the next steps in our journey towards ‘outstanding.’”
The report further said parents and pupils were highly positive about the education and care provided at Grasmere.
It added: “Pupils thrive in this caring, inclusive and welcoming school. They behave well and are kind and caring to one another. They say they feel very safe.
“Pupils are keen to try their best. They value the school’s golden rules, which they have taken to heart and live out each day.”
We are really looking forward to the next steps in our journey towards ‘outstanding’ Head Kerry Lilico