Primary school gets top marks from Ofsted (From Hampshire Chronicle)
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St Bede's one of the few to get 'outstanding' result since tougher inspection introduced
2:00pm Thursday 14th March 2013 in Education
ACHIEVERS: The pupils and staff celebrate
PUPILS and staff at a Hampshire primary school have much to celebrate after being awarded top marks from inspectors.
St Bede Church of England Primary School in Winchester was rated “outstanding” in all four categories by Ofsted – achievement, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils, leadership and management.
It is believed to be one of only a few primary schools to achieve this accolade since a tougher inspection regime was introduced last year.
The glowing Ofsted report comes after the school, in Gordon Road, celebrated its 100th anniversary last year.
Headteacher Louise Fitzpatrick said: “The result of the Ofsted inspection is a reflection of the hard work, dedication and commitment of everyone involved in our school.”
The report said: “Pupils’ achievement is outstanding. All pupils, including those who are disabled, those with special educational needs and pupils who are eligible for the pupil premium, make outstanding progress.”
Inspectors said pupils’ grades in national SATS tests in year two and year six had been significantly above average for the past five years.
The report said: “The quality of teaching is outstanding and caters exceedingly well for the needs and interests of pupils.”
It went on: “Behaviour is outstanding.
Pupils display a high level of respect for others and get on very well together.
Attitudes to learning are exemplary and contribute to an exceptionally positive atmosphere at the school.”
Inspectors said the school had improved since the last inspection and described the headteacher as a “dedicated and inspirational leader.”
They also praised school governors for fulfilling their role extremely well and not being afraid to ask challenging questions.
The report said this includes ensuring that the school’s resources, such as the money it received for the pupil premium, are used effectively for their intended purpose.
One area identified for improvement was providing more opportunities for year six pupils to develop their writing skills as attainment was higher in reading than writing.
St Bede has expanded over the last few years to meet growing demand for places in the city and there are now 420 pupils on its roll.
This year it opened with three more classrooms but was still heavily oversubscribed.
