This in from the governors of Bembridge CE Primary School, understandably proud at the school’s achievement. It’s in their words – Ed.
Staff, governors and pupils at Bembridge CE Primary School are delighted to announce that their school has been graded as ‘outstanding’ following an Ofsted inspection earlier this month (October).
The school, in Steyne Road, Bembridge, is the first on the Isle of Wight to have been inspected since the reorganisation of the education system from three to two tier and the ‘outstanding’ grade puts it amongst the 6% of primaries given this grade nationally.
“Exceptionally high targets”
Inspectors found that: “The school sets itself exceptionally high targets, being determined that all pupils, whatever their needs or difficulties, will be given the very best chance to reach the levels expected for their age with as many pupils as possible exceeding them.
“Staff are extremely skilled at engaging pupils and encouraging them to work hard and develop excellent attitudes to learning.
“Consequently, throughout the school pupils’ achievement is excellent and attainment is much higher than that seen nationally.”
Outstanding leadership
Inspectors believe the reason for the school’s success is based on outstanding leadership and management at all levels as well as an outstanding level of teaching.
“The headteacher and deputy headteacher provide outstanding leadership, exhibiting great enthusiasm and commitment and excellent organisational skills. Morale is very high and outstanding teamwork among the whole school community ensures that all are working very effectively together.
“Staff are highly skilled practitioners who … take every opportunity to encourage children’s curiosity in the world around them.”
“From Reception to Year 6, very high quality teaching and learning are evident, especially in the challenging activities provided which meet the needs of both boys and girls, and pupils working at different levels, especially well.
“Activities consistently set out high expectations of pupils and throughout lessons staff continually remind pupils what is expected of them and how they can achieve this.
Pupils “are prepared especially well”
Inspectors found pupils’ behaviour to be excellent: “”¦pupils are very reflective, considerate, friendly and mature young people who are prepared especially well for their future education and employment.”
Inspectors also praised the ‘excellent’ partnerships forged by the school with parents and carers as well as other schools and agencies which, “help ensure that the needs of individual pupils are met exceptionally well. This is of especial benefit to the pupils most at risk of underachieving.”
Parents and carers: “..praise the quality of teaching, commenting on the friendliness and helpful approach of staff and are fully confident that staff deal well with any concerns they raise.”
Head Tina Baker “Thrilled”
Head Tina Baker said: “We are thrilled with our outstanding OFSTED which reflects the team effort of staff, pupils, parents and governors working together for the good of every child in our school.
“We have always set high standards and despite this wonderful achievement we aim to continue to refine our practice to offer the very best in education in Bembridge.
“I was particularly pleased that the maturity and excellent learning skills of our pupils was noted in the report, each and every one of our children should be proud of all they have achieved.”
Governors “Delighted”
Chairman of the Governors, Alan Morris, said: “The governors of Bembridge C of E Primary School were delighted with the outcome of the recent Ofsted inspection. To be classified as an outstanding school is a validation of all the hard work undertaken by all the staff and all the children who should all be very proud.”
Other points of interest: Headteacher Tina Baker was once herself a pupil at the school, as was her father before her. Her teaching career has been spent largely on the mainland. She returned to the Island in 2003 to take up the headship at Bembridge.
Bembridge CE Primary School on Ofted
