School leaders’ pride after watchdog’s glowing praise

STAFF and students at a Northumberland primary school are celebrating after Ofsted inspectors handed them an “outstanding” rating.

Morpeth Road Academy, in Blyth, Northumberland, was told it was “good” following its previous full inspection in 2015. However, inspectors gave it a higher rating of “outstanding” after their latest visit.

The report said: “Pupils blossom in their learning at this friendly school. Staff strive relentlessly to find ways to improve pupils’ lives, including through the delivery of the very carefully planned curriculum. This enthusiasm is infectious and shared by the pupils who always want to do their best.

“Pupils achieve well and produce work of a high quality in different subjects. They thrive with the high level of support given in this school where everyone is made to feel welcome.”

Ofsted also said the behaviour of the children was “excellent” and the youngsters were “courteous and polite”. “Bullying is very rare and is dealt with effectively if it happens,” the report added.

In addition, there was praise for the leadership team and the way the curriculum was shaped to helped teach a range of subjects, with children in early years getting off “to a flying start”.

Morpeth Road became part of the WISE Academy Trust in 2018. It has around 360 students aged from two to 11.

Executive headteacher Deb Ward said: “The Ofsted inspection process was such a wonderfully positive experience for all at Morpeth Road.”

Zoe Carr, chief executive of WISE Academies, said: “All credit to the leaders, governors, staff and parents who have worked together to ensure that the pupils of Morpeth Road Academy are receiving a first-class education.”