CELEBRATIONS are in order for Sheepscombe Primary School after being awarded a ‘good’ Ofsted rating, just two years after being judged ‘inadequate’.

One inspector observed the school in late April and judged it ‘good’ in the four key areas: pupil achievement, qualify of teaching, behaviour and leadership. 

The report read: ‘Teaching and achievement are now good. Pupils of all levels make good progress in reading, writing and mathematics, while teachers keep a ‘watchful eye’ on everyone’s progress.’
The school was keen to bounce back after being placed in special measures, and the report honoured the ‘good leadership’ in bringing about a ‘significant change for learning’. 

Headteacher Sara Bennion said the result was a testament to the hard work, dedication and support displayed by staff, parents and governors in recent months.

“I’m thrilled the school has received such a positive report” said Ms Bennion, who joined the school in September 2013. “This is a richly-deserved reward for the huge efforts shown by all staff, governors, parents and the children themselves over the last couple of years.”

She added: “We can now look forward to a secure future and build on our strengths as a truly self-confident school.”

The rural Sheepscombe Primary, which has forty pupils, missed the outstanding award because of a lack of clarity in pupil expectation and lack of opportunity for sporting excellence.  

Chairman governor Derek Newman said: “This is a fantastic confirmation that Sheepscombe School can now be really proud of its achievements and go forward with its head held high. “