Inspirational leadership brings rapid improvements to Sidmouth Primary

Mary Youlden
Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted Monday, March 25, 2013 - 5:12pm

Sidmouth Primary has improved rapidly over the last three years and pupils now make good progress and achieve above average standards.

Independent education inspectors say every key area of life at the Church of England school is good and the leadership and management are outstanding.

“Pupils make good progress and achieve well in all subjects,” say the inspectors. Teaching has improved and is typically good. This has resulted in a rapid improvement in pupils’ attainment in reading, writing and maths. “Results at the end of Year 6 are now above the national average. Pupils’ behaviour is good. They are extremely proud of their school and are keen to represent it within the community. Attendance is above average.”

Four inspectors from the school standards agency Ofsted spent two days at Sidmouth last month and their report has just been published.

Lead inspector John Cavill says many changes have taken place since the last inspection as different schools have come together but Sidmouth Primary has still made big improvements from its previous rating of satisfactory.

“Clear vision and high expectations have helped bring together different sets of pupils, staff and governors who have a common purpose,” he says.

“The inspirational leadership of the head and highly effective team of leaders have ensured the school has rapidly improved. This is most notably seen in the improving quality of teaching and pupils’ achievement.”

Mr Cavill says children start school with knowledge and skills below what would normally be expected for their age. But they make good progress in the Early Years because of good quality teaching and interesting learning activities.  The good progress continues throughout the school and, by the time they leave, pupils are attaining above average standards in English and maths.

“Well-planned lessons, taught by teachers, supported by teaching assistants, meet the needs of all pupils,” says Mr Cavill.

“The range of subjects is vibrant, exciting and planned to provide pupils with a wealth of opportunities to develop both academically and personally. Classrooms are full of well-behaved children who are focused, working together and eager to do well. There is a positive climate for learning and relationships are good.”

Mr Cavill says one child told the inspectors: “This is a cool school where we feel safe and happy.”

And most parents said their children were well taught and making good progress. To continue improving, Sidmouth should raise teaching to outstanding overall and ensure pupils take more responsibility for their own learning.

Sidmouth head Paul Walker said: “I am extremely proud of the efforts from our whole school community.

“We are delighted the report has recognised the hard work that has been put into improving our school. We have been working on our curriculum a lot over the last few years and are delighted that this was recognised within the report.

“We have been left with an area for development that we have already started on, as we start our journey to become an outstanding school.”

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