A West Oxfordshire primary school which had been rated 'inadequate' has now been rated 'good' after the school’s 'transformation'.
Charlbury Primary School has been found to be a “caring and vibrant” place where “pupils achieve well” after its latest inspection by Ofsted.
The national education standards body awarded the school a 'good' rating last week following a visit by inspectors before Easter.
The school had been rated 'inadequate' in March 2019 and joined multi-academy trust River Learning Trust (RLT) later that year.
READ MORE: Corner shop gets ZERO hygiene rating after rat infestation
April’s inspection was the school’s first since becoming part of RLT.
After the most recent visit, Ofsted inspectors praised the school’s “highly astute” leadership and its aspirational culture.
A report added: “Pupils feel valued. They are taught to appreciate each other’s unique qualities and treat everyone with kindness and compassion.
“Leaders are highly ambitious for pupils, leading by example on the school motto ‘to be the best we can be and do the best we can do’.
“This positive outlook influences every aspect of school life. The school is determined to give pupils the very best start to their education.
“Pupils concentrate well in lessons and behave calmly and politely around school and at social times.”
Headteacher Charlie Barwell said she was delighted that Ofsted had recognised the commitment of staff to making the school a place where children flourish.
Ms Barwell said: “You cannot make the significant improvements that have been made at Charlbury without a team that fully buys into what needs to be done and what you are trying to achieve.
“The staff have worked really hard and I am so pleased for them. This has been a good school for some time and I am thrilled for the staff to have this formally recognised by Ofsted.”
Chair of governors Kim Harrison praised Ms Barwell’s work as headteacher.
Mrs Harrison said: “Charlie has communicated the highly aspirational vision brilliantly to the staff.
"They are on board with this and they are proud to be part of the school’s transformation.
“Inspectors were clear that changes needed to be made at the school.
"We are pleased that they were able to see not only that these changes have been made, but that they have been made in a considered way that has created an environment in which staff feel fully supported.”
READ MORE: Driver cut from wreckage after crash involving car and van
RLT chief executive Paul James said: “As well as the overall judgement, we are particularly pleased that the report noted the hard work that is done to remove barriers to learning.
“As Charlie said, this school has been a good one for some time, but being able to officially say that is really important.
“Ofsted judgements aren’t everything, but we recognise their value in terms of staff and parent morale, as well as wider community pride.
“Every community deserves a great school at its heart and we are thrilled to be able to deliver one for Charlbury and its surrounding villages.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here