WESTBURY Park School is celebrating after its first Ofsted inspection in ten years confirmed that the education it provides remains Outstanding.
The 415-pupil primary academy was given the top rating for its quality of education, leadership and management and early years provision and for children’s behaviour and attitudes and their personal development. Safeguarding was said to be effective.
The education watchdog no longer gives an overall judgement. When Westbury Park, a standalone academy, was last inspected in 2014 its overall effectiveness was rated Outstanding.
Richard Bamber, headteacher and chief executive of the academy trust, said the opening paragraph of the October 2024 inspection report captured the essence of the school in its opening paragraph.
This read: “Pupils love learning at Westbury Park School. The rich curriculum enables them to excel academically and thrive socially and emotionally. Pupils develop very high aspirations to succeed.”
The team of three inspectors were hugely impressed with the school, praising its very well-designed curriculum and the imaginative opportunities provided for children of all ages.
They said the learning environment was harmonious and calm and pupils were kind, helpful and respectful towards each other. Attendance was said to be strong, with children enthusiastic and eager to learn.
Ofsted highlighted the exceptional provision for the youngest children and for those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Among the many positive comments were:
• The school’s vision for pupils to be exceptionally well prepared for the world beyond school is shared by all staff.
• Pupils have many opportunities to discuss their ideas in depth. They articulate their thinking with maturity and a breadth of sophisticated vocabulary.
• In Reception, children develop their knowledge of a breadth of subjects exceptionally well. The curriculum stimulates their curiosity about the world around them.
• The school is tenacious in monitoring the support provided to pupils with SEND. As a result, they are fully engaged and achieve very well.
The report added: “Leadership, including governance, is outstanding. Through a shared vision of excellence, they have ensured and assured a very well-designed curriculum for pupils. The board of trustees knows the school very well. It gathers a range of information with which to hold the headteacher to account. Staff are unanimously proud to work at the school.”
Mr Bamber said: “We are extremely proud of the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection where we were judged ‘Outstanding’ in all areas. This is testament to the care and commitment of our staff, the support of our families and is a celebration of our wonderful children.
“I would like to thank every member of the school and our community who work tirelessly to ensure Westbury Park Primary School is a great place for children to learn.”