Historic school gets good mark from Ofsted
STAFF at an historic school that successfully beat the threat of closure are celebrating again after receiving a glowing Ofsted report.
Inspectors from the government watchdog visited Pott Shrigley Church School, on Shrig
ley Road, and have rated it as good.
It was also graded as good in five sub-categories of leadership, quality of teaching, personal development, outcomes for pupils and early years provision.
Just three years ago a campaign group was formed to fight proposals that would have seen the school merge with Bollington St John’s.
Since victory was achieved new headteacher Joanne Bromley has been installed and Ofsted praised the impact she has had.
The report says: “Since the previous inspection (in 2011), the quality of teaching and pupils’ academic standards have varied because the school has faced many challenges.
“These include defederating from another local school, potential closure and relocating the reception class from another school site.
“The recently appointed headteacher has a clear vision for the school. She has an accurate understanding of the school’s strengths and is addressing areas where improvements are needed. She has won the support of members of the school community, including staff.”
Particular praise was given to the quality of teaching, the behaviour of pupils, their progress in reading and the inclusive ethos of the school.
Safeguarding was said to be effective and inspectors found a ‘positive attitude to learning’.
The report said: “Pupils conduct themselves very well in class and around the school. They respect one another, listen well and take responsibility for their own behaviour.”
The report did say an area for improvement was the planning of work to sufficiently challenge able students.
Pott Shrigley School - which has 27 pupils - dates back to 1492 when the Lord of the Manor gifted a building for education.
Ms Bromley said: “‘ I am really pleased with the result and incredibly proud of all the pupils and staff who all pulled together not only during the inspection but since I joined the school in September.”
Chair of governors, Jane Langdon added: “The inspection went really well, the inspector got to spend a lot of time with the children and staff and was able to get a real sense of what our school is about.”