Celebrating Excellence: Sherborne Primary School Acclaimed for Positive Culture and High Standards
In a remarkable display of educational achievement, Sherborne Primary School has received commendation from Ofsted for establishing a positive culture and high expectations among its students. This accolade comes on the heels of a recent inspection, marking the school as one of the pioneers in the UK to undergo evaluation under the new Ofsted framework.
A New Era of School Inspections
The new inspection criteria, which assess schools on a stringent five-point scale across eight performance areas, has raised the bar for educational standards. Sherborne Primary School has successfully met the expected standards in critical areas such as Attendance & Behaviour, Early Years, Inclusion, Leadership & Governance, and Personal Development & Wellbeing. Notably, inspectors emphasized the school's robust approach to safeguarding, a cornerstone of its positive environment.
Creating an Inclusive Community
According to the Ofsted report, the leaders of Sherborne Primary have fostered an inclusive culture, highlighting their commitment to ensuring that every pupil feels a sense of belonging and can thrive. The report stated, “Leaders have created a positive culture of behaviour within the school,” which underscores the collaborative effort of staff, students, and families in cultivating a safe and respectful community.
Pathways to Continued Improvement
While the school celebrates its achievements, it is also committed to ongoing growth. Ofsted identified two areas needing improvement: achievement and curriculum delivery. However, these concerns have already been recognized by the school, which has incorporated them into its development strategy since the start of the academic year. Initiatives to enhance foundational handwriting skills and facilitate constructive feedback are currently being implemented, with expectations for better results reflected in future SATs data.
A Confident Outlook
Head of School Felicity Griffiths expressed pride in the school's reputation, stating, “We are extremely pleased that this inspection recognises Sherborne Primary as a safe, inclusive and caring school.” She affirmed that the focus on achievement and teaching remains a priority, and the school welcomes the opportunity for a re-inspection in three months to evaluate progress in these areas.
David Watson, CEO of SAST, echoed this sentiment, praising the school as a shining example of the trust’s values. He highlighted that Sherborne Primary is a place where children feel secure, valued, and motivated to perform at their best, supported by an exceptional staff that is dedicated to the community.
This recognition from Ofsted not only highlights Sherborne Primary's strengths but also demonstrates a community united in its mission to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment.
