Wolvercote 'might be judged outstanding'

Wolvercote Primary School in Oxford has been told it might be judged Outstanding if it were to receive a full inspection from Ofsted.

The school is a “joyful and vibrant” place where “children achieve exceptionally well”, according to a report published after an ungraded inspection before Easter.

An ungraded inspection only allows an Ofsted rating to be changed in the event of serious failings being identified.

Wolvercote — currently rated Good by Ofsted — was praised for its “unapologetic high expectations”.

But inspectors also reported a culture of inclusion that meant all children flourished.

Highlights of the report included:

• “The school is, rightly, determined to remove barriers to learning. This means that where pupils have lower starting points, they catch up and achieve very well. 
• “Pupils who are disadvantaged, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), thrive here because of the high-quality support that they receive.
• “Staff love working here because of the inclusive ethos through which everyone knows that they are valued.
• “Pupils achieve very highly across the curriculum. Pupils know that they have excellent teaching here, and they want to make the most of every opportunity.”

Headteacher Mandy Hook said: “We are delighted that our commitment to inclusion has been recognised, along with the excellent behaviour of the pupils and the nurturing, safe environment.

“I was also particularly pleased with the praise that my fantastic staff received. They deserve all the warm words.”

RLT chief executive Paul James said: “This is a fantastic achievement by Mandy and her team.

“She has rightly chosen to highlight the inclusive culture of the school, the excellence of the teaching and the behaviour of the pupils.

“But the fantastic report would not have been possible if, as recognised by the inspectors, the school were not ‘led by determined, supportive and highly knowledgeable staff’.”