A school in Wisbech which was previously rated as requiring improvement has now been found to be good by Ofsted.
Wisbech St Mary CofE Academy has been given an overall effectiveness rating of good, with all areas inspected also found to be good.
In their report, inspectors said the school is “happy and caring” and that pupil behaviour is “excellent”.
They added that the “school is a very calm place to be” where “pupils respond to adults’ high expectations for them to learn successfully and grow into well-rounded young people.”
The positive news comes following the school’s previous inspection back in 2019 when it was deemed to require improvement.
Now, the education setting is transformed, with Ofsted inspectors highlighting a range of measures which make it a good school.
Inspectors found that leaders have implemented a broad, effective curriculum, with reading at its heart and that the school is a place where “pupils are nurtured to do their very best.”
The culture and atmosphere of the school was noted to be calm, happy and positive with inspectors stating that: “The school is well led and managed. Leaders have gained the trust and support of the local community”
Ofsted also found that “Wisbech St Mary is a happy and caring school that sits at the heart of the community. Pupils like school. They talk enthusiastically and confidently about how they enjoy their learning.”
Other areas praised in the report include the school’s pupil reading ambassadors, pupils’ understanding and respect of the school rules, support for children with special educational needs and / or disabilities (SEND) and opportunities for developing character.
The Ofsted report does however note some areas where further improvement could be made.
"While pupils enjoy their learning, sometimes staff do not present new ideas clearly.
"This means that some pupils find it difficult to recall the important knowledge leaders want them to know.
"Leaders should ensure that teachers are trained to teach content in a consistently precise and clear fashion.
"They should refine the current assessment systems to ensure that pupils remember important vocabulary, knowledge, and skills over time."
The report also states that "the proportion of pupils regularly missing school is increasing" and that "leaders’ actions are not sufficiently rigorous to address this.
"Leaders should ensure their strategies for identifying and resolving attendance concerns are robust and swift, so that all pupils attend school as often as they can."
In a letter to parents, headteacher Jaynie Lynch said:
“We are pleased that the inspectors recognised the many strengths of our school and the progress we have made since our previous inspection in 2019.
“Our children experience a broad and enriched curriculum, the leaders drive for continued improvement, children feel safe and enjoy coming to school and are proud to be a part of Wisbech St Mary.
“A culture of safeguarding is present throughout our school and everyone is clear about their responsibilities to keep our children safe.
“Pupils’ behaviour in lessons and during social times reflects a culture of high expectations.
“Staff and governors have a clear vision and determination to continue our journey towards excellence.”
“We really appreciate the support given by parents, pupils, staff and Governors during our Ofsted inspection.”
Jaynie Lynch added: “This is wonderful news for our school as we begin a new term.
“The pupils and staff really shone during the inspection – as they do all year round - and we’re excited for another great academic year.”
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