Celebration for first ‘outstanding’ rating
A PRIMARY school near Bristol has achieved an ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted for the first time.
St Helen’s Church of England Primary School in Greenhill, Alveston, South Gloucestershire, was placed in the ‘requires improvement’ category as recently as 2013.
But head teacher Andy Spens has overseen rapid improvements during his seven years in charge, earning glowing feedback from inspectors.
The Ofsted report describes pupils as “extremely happy”, adding: “They say they love their school.”
The latest inspection was carried out in December, and every aspect of the school was hailed as ‘outstanding’ - from the quality of the education through to the leadership and management.
Mr Spens said: “I’m delighted for us as a community, as a school and as a village because it reflects the hard work of everybody.
“The thing I’m most pleased with is it feels like it’s a community achievement.”
Inspectors were hugely impressed with teachers, senior management and pupils, describing the latter as “highly motivated” and showing “impeccable” behaviour.
The report states: “Pupils are wellrounded individuals and are remarkably well prepared for secondary school.”
It continues: “Pupils are highly motivated in the work they do and talk about it with great enthusiasm.
“They are able to remember difficult concepts that they have learned in previous years.
“For example, Year 5 pupils are able to talk about the impact Romans have had on modern society.”
Inspectors dubbed the curriculum “highly ambitious” and noted that teachers give pupils challenging and meaningful work.
Children with special needs and disabilities perform well, according to the report.
The document states: “Teachers make sure they understand pupils as individuals.
“They provide support that is expertly matched to these needs.
“Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) achieve very well as a result.”
A total of 205 pupils attend the school, which is around 50 years old. Previous Ofsted results were good (2015), requires improvement (2013) and good (2007).