One of York’s largest primary schools has been declared ‘Good’ by Ofsted, with ‘Outstanding’ features in behaviour and attitudes and personal development.
Inspectors visited the Robert Wilkinson Primary Academy in Strensall, which is run by Ebor Academy Trust and has 537 pupils on roll, in December.
The report, now published on the Ofsted website, says: “Leaders, staff and pupils share the same high expectations of each other.
“The calm and purposeful environment within school exemplifies these high expectations.
The school’s ambition for achievement is equally high. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well. Pupils’ behaviour and attitudes are exceptional.”
Inspectors went on: “The school places a high priority on pupils learning the fundamentals of early reading. In early years, staff expose children to a range of books, rhymes and songs.
“From these initial experiences, high-quality phonics teaching enables children to achieve well. They become confident and fluent readers.
“This high achievement extends to disadvantaged pupils, including those with SEND. Where pupils need extra support, well-trained staff deliver targeted interventions with clear impact.
“Leaders have high ambitions for the curriculum within school. The majority of subjects have curriculums that meticulously identify the specific knowledge and skills pupils should develop over time.
“Teaching is precise and targets any gaps in learning to ensure that pupils make demonstrable progress. Pupils can recall what they have learned. New learning then builds on pupils’ prior learning.”
School governors were also praised: “Governance at the school is effective,” the report states. “A knowledgeable and committed governing body is well informed by regular visits to the school and through detailed reports from the headteacher. Governors use this information to hold leaders to account.”
Donna Bedford, headteacher, said: “We are incredibly proud of what the Ofsted school inspection report represents – the culmination of our commitment, hard work and a strong, focused, ongoing approach to school development.
“The inspectors witnessed what happens every day at Robert Wilkinson and we are pleased that everything we have worked towards was clear to see.
“Thank you to our staff and parents and carers for all your support and particularly to the children who left a lasting impression on the inspection team and continue to shine each day at Robert Wilkinson Primary Academy.”
Robert Wilkinson is part of the Ebor Academy Trust, which operates schools in York, Selby, Hull, the East Riding and the Yorkshire coast.
Trust chief executive Gail Brown said: “Many congratulations to Donna and her team for the brilliant comments in this inspection report.
“Robert Wilkinson Primary Academy is a wonderful school with a vibrant and supportive school community.”