Happy school delighted to be outstanding

A “nurturing and supportive” school has been rated outstanding by church inspectors.

Wittersham CEP School received the top grade in a statutory inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) report.

Head teacher Claire Frost who joined the school in September 2015, and whose appointment was made permanent in March last year, is credited with turning it around after a drop in academic results

The report, following an inspection on June 13, also stated that the school “successfully promotes high academic outcomes and accelerated progress alongside strong personal development”.

Wittersham Primary’s strong Christian ethos was highlighted with the report noting: “The distinctiveness and effectiveness of Wittersham CEP school as a Church of England school are outstanding. Worship contributes deeply to the school’s strong Christian ethos and values and to the spiritual life of both the pupils and adults involved.”

Links to the parish church of St John’s are described as strong, while pupils were said to display excellent behaviour.

Pupils of all ability levels make “at least good and often accelerated progress from their various starting points”.

The report adds: “Pupils attain well, especially in Key Stage 2, where results are now above both local and national averages.”

Attendance is above the national average because pupils feel happy and safe in school, the report continues.

Mrs Frost wrote to parents to express her delight at the judgment, saying: “This is a fantastic outcome for the whole school community and reflects the hard work of pupils, parents, carers, teachers and governors of the school.”

Wittersham head teacher Claire Frost celebrates an outstanding report with some of her pupils