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‘Outstanding’ across the board: Isle of Wight school praised by Ofsted (updated)

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Nine Acres Primary School has proudly achieved an ‘Outstanding’ rating in ALL categories from Ofsted, following a rigorous inspection on 10th and 11th July 2024. This exceptional rating is a significant accolade for the school and the Isle of Wight community, highlighting the school as a centre of educational excellence.

Pupils “blossom” into inspired and enthusiastic learners
In the Ofsted report, Nine Acres Primary is celebrated as a place where pupils “blossom” into inspired and enthusiastic learners. The school’s ambitious curriculum and extensive personal development programmes are praised for enabling all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to excel.

The inspectors lauded the school for its high expectations and aspirational values, noting that pupils consistently demonstrate these values through their behaviour and communication.

Transition programme
The unique transition programme at Nine Acres Primary, which ensures pupils are well-prepared for the new academic year, was singled out for commendation.

The school’s dedication to fostering a love for reading was also highlighted, with numerous quiet reading areas and carefully selected texts contributing to pupils becoming confident and competent readers.

Dyer: Immensely proud to receive this outstanding recognition
Headteacher Mrs Dyer expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the community’s support and commended the school’s dedicated staff.

Mrs Dyer remarked,

“We are immensely proud to receive this outstanding recognition.

“This achievement is a testament to the unwavering commitment and hard work of our entire staff team, who continuously strive for excellence. I am deeply grateful to our wonderful community for their steadfast support. Together, we have created a nurturing and inspiring environment where every child can thrive.”

Strong safeguarding measures and effective leadership
The report also emphasised the school’s strong safeguarding measures and effective leadership.

The partnership between school leaders and the governing board, along with the high-quality training provided to staff, ensures that Nine Acres Primary continues to contribute to the high standard for educational excellence on the Isle of Wight.

Exemplary behaviour
Pupils’ exemplary behaviour, politeness, and respect for others’ views and beliefs were also commended.

The diverse range of extracurricular activities, including residential visits, skateboarding, and various arts and sports clubs, were noted as key contributors to the well-rounded development of students.

A remarkable milestone
As Nine Acres Primary School continues to uphold its motto, ‘Striving for Excellence,’ this outstanding Ofsted rating marks a remarkable milestone, reinforcing its position as a beacon of exceptional education on the Isle of Wight.


News shared by Nine Acres Primary School, in their own words. Ed


The Isle of Wight Council has congratulated an Island school on achieving the highest possible rating from Ofsted.

Nine Acres Primary School in Newport is the first Isle of Wight school to achieve ‘Outstanding’ in all categories in more than a decade.

This exceptional rating is a significant accolade for the school and the Isle of Wight community, highlighting the school as a centre of educational excellence.

Bacon: Wonderful news resulted from much hard work and dedication
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, the council’s Cabinet member for education, said,

“Nine Acres’ school motto is ‘Striving for Excellence’ and they’ve certainly achieved that!

“This is wonderful news and will have resulted from much hard work and dedication. I extend my thanks and congratulations to all involved.

“The value of such ratings is the subject of much debate but this does not take away from the achievement and what the rating says about the school.

“Through changes proposed in our Draft Education Strategy and the work being done by our new Island-based education department, we are aiming to raise standards across the whole Island. This is a great start!” 

The Ofsted inspection
Inspectors visited the Newport school in July and were impressed with what they saw.

Ofsted inspections traditionally last for up to two days and involve inspectors carrying out a thorough assessment of the school’s overall performance.

It looks at areas such as the quality of education, pupil behaviour, leadership and the effectiveness of safeguarding policies.

Highlights from the report
In their report published today (Monday), Nine Acres is celebrated as a place where pupils “blossom” into inspired and enthusiastic learners.

The school’s ambitious curriculum and extensive personal development programmes are praised for enabling all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to excel.

The inspectors lauded the school for its high expectations and aspirational values, noting that pupils consistently demonstrate these values through their behaviour and communication.

The unique transition programme at Nine Acres, which ensures pupils are well-prepared for the new academic year, was singled out for commendation.

The school’s dedication to fostering a love for reading was also highlighted, with numerous quiet reading areas and carefully selected texts contributing to pupils becoming confident and competent readers.

Carter: Special mention must go to headteacher, Beth Dyer
Naomi Carter, the council’s service director for education, inclusion and access, added,

“Congratulations to all the staff, parents and governors at Nine Acres Primary School.

“I am especially pleased that Ofsted recognised how ‘Pupils blossom at Nine Acres. They are inspired and enthusiastic learners’. 

“Special mention must go to headteacher, Beth Dyer, who is a real inspiration and passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of all the pupils at the school.”

Article edit
12.50pm 9th Sep 2024 – IEC press release added


News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed