Northampton primary school receives ‘good’ Ofsted rating for pre-lockdown inspection

A primary school in Northampton has received a ‘good’ Ofsted in a report referring to a pre-lockdown inspection.

In a report published this week (May 11), Collingtree CE Primary School, in Lodge Avenue, has received the ‘good’ rating two months after it was inspected on March 10 and March 11.

The inspection is the first time the school, which caters for more than 100 pupils aged four to 11, has been inspected since it became part of the Peterborough Diocese Education Trust (PDET) and became an academy in 2017 when it was rated inadequate.

The recent report recognises the ‘huge improvements’ made by the trust and the staff at the school.

Ofsted’s published report says: “Senior leaders, together with the trust, have been unflinching in improving the school. They have strengthened the school team through careful recruitment and effective training.

“Pupils’ achievement has improved across the school. Parents and carers appreciate that the school is well led. They welcome the ‘huge improvements’.”

The school inspectorate also highlights particular strengths in mathematics, phonics and reading across the academy, as well as the positive mood among children.

The report adds: “Pupils are proud of their friendly, family-centred school. They say that they feel safe because adults care about them and listen to them.

“They appreciate that their teachers explain things well, so they learn a lot.”

Ofsted highlighted areas for improvement within the school, but also recognised that these improvements were already being worked on.

The report adds: “The school’s curriculum is not yet sufficiently coherently planned and taught in some subjects.

“However, it is clear from the actions that leaders have already taken to plan the curriculums in subjects such as science and history, that they are in the process of bringing this about.”

Upon receiving the improved Ofsted rating, the school has said it is ‘pleased and proud'.

Rebecca Osborne, executive headteacher, said: “We are fortunate to have this fantastic school in such a beautiful setting.

“It has been frustrating to have to carry an Ofsted grading that we knew was no longer an accurate reflection of our school.

“Unlike many schools, we have been willing Ofsted to come and see what we are like and then give us the grading we have felt we have deserved for some time.

“Once they had visited, we had the further frustration of the delay in the report being published.

“We understand why some parents and carers will look at a website and read the Ofsted grade when they consider a school for their child.

“We believe this has held us back. We would encourage parents to come and look at our wonderful setting and know that we deliver a good education.

“It’s official and we are both pleased and proud.”

Ashley Bishop, Chair of Governors, added: “The governors are delighted by the outcome of the recent Ofsted inspection.

“It demonstrates the commitment, drive and enthusiasm the Senior leaders and wider teaching body have for the school, we couldn’t be prouder of the efforts the pupils put into achieving a 'good' and we look forward to celebrating.”

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