Hard work leads to improvements at Tiverton primary

Two years of hard work has led to considerable improvements at a Tiverton primary school, according to education inspectors.

They say action taken by school leaders at Bolham Primary has promoted better teaching and led to improving progress.

Learning typically takes place in a very positive environment, they say. Children leave Bolham at the end of Year 6 attaining national standards.And they add: “For all groups, progress is now strengthening.

“There are appropriate plans to improve pupils’ reading, writing and maths skills. Pupils have positive attitudes to their work. (They) enjoy coming to school and their attendance is above average.

“Relationships between staff and pupils are strong, harmonious and respectful. The pupils’ good behaviour and positive relationships reflect the schools’ care and sensitive management. Parents are supportive of the school. All parents spoken to confirm they would recommend it to others.”

Inspectors from the school standards agency, Ofsted, spent two days at Bolham earlier this month and their report has just been published.

Lead inspector Peter Clifton says headteacher Denise Woodgate joined the school two years ago and several new staff started last September.

“Staff are united in their support for change and improvement and are keen to learn from each other,” he says. “The local authority has provided enhanced support and is helping the school to improve pupils’ achievement.”

But Mr Clifton says the school still requires further improvement and teachers must ensure the pace of learning in lessons is brisk at all times and make sure that the differing needs of pupils are fully addressed.

Despite this, he told staff and governors that Bolham was ‘clearly an improving school and much hard work has been done in the past two years’.

Today (24 July) Denise Woodgate and chair of governors, Chris Lines, said: “We want to emphasise the improving picture that is already evident at Bolham and the progress that has been made to date.

“The school has experienced a great deal of change in recent years and to maintain improvement through those changes is a tribute to the hard work and commitment of everyone at Bolham.

“Prior to Ofsted, measures were already in place that will ensure all areas continue to improve to a high level.

“All the staff and governors are determined to drive that improvement while at the same time retaining the care and sensitive management of pupils that Ofsted commended.”