West Thornton Primary School, located in Rosecourt Road, has received an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating in its recent inspection after being taken over by an academy trust. The school had previously faced closure in 2020 due to an Inadequate overall rating by the education watchdog.
In the report published on November 4, Ofsted highlighted the school’s achievements in various areas. West Thornton was graded ‘Outstanding’ in four out of five key assessment areas, including Behaviour and Attitudes; Personal Development; Leadership and Management; and Early Years Provision. The remaining area was rated as ‘Good’.
Inspectors were impressed by the effectiveness of teaching and learning, as well as the strong leadership within the school under the management of the Inspire Partnership Academy Trust (IPAT). They commended the school for encouraging debate among its nearly 1,000 students and providing a positive work environment for staff.
The school’s curriculum was noted to be ambitious across all subjects, with significant success in most areas. However, inspectors suggested that some subjects required further refinement to ensure consistent high-quality learning. Despite this, West Thornton Primary School was recognized for its remarkable transformation since joining the IPAT.
Following the closure in 2020, the school reopened under the academy trust in April 2020. The IPAT, which manages nine primary schools across the UK, expressed pride in the progress made by West Thornton. Chief executive Rob Carpenter emphasized the hard work and dedication of the staff, pupils, and parents at the school.
Overall, the Ofsted report reflects a positive turnaround for West Thornton Primary School, showcasing its commitment to providing quality education and fostering a conducive learning environment for students. The school’s journey from an Inadequate rating to an ‘Outstanding’ recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of the entire school community.
