Hermitage Primary School back up to standard

Latest Ofsted inspection rates school as "good"

A West Berkshire primary school is celebrating after being rated “good” by the education watchdog, despite inspectors saying it required improvement at the last inspection.

Hermitage Primary School was criticised by Ofsted in 2013 and told it needed to improve on its levels of achievement, pupil progress, behaviour and the marking of work.

Inspectors returned to the school three years later and decided last month that the school was now “good” in all five key areas of achievement.

Following the inspection conducted on February 10 and 11, inspectors praised the school’s strong leadership, the level of achievement, pupil behaviour and the solid teamwork across the school.

Inspectors said in the final report: “The headteacher has provided very clear leadership since the previous inspection.

“With the increasingly effective support of other leaders, including governors, she has firmly embedded a culture of high expectations for the quality of teaching and pupils’ progress.”

Speaking of the quality of teaching, inspectors noted: “Teachers establish clear routines in class and have high expectations of pupils’ work and behaviour.

“Relationships are positive and pupils respond well to their teachers’ demands, following instructions cheerfully and trying hard.

“Lessons are orderly as a result, with disruptions to learning rare.”

Pupil development was also praised, as was the safe environment in which they learn.

Inspectors said: “The school’s work to promote pupil’s personal development and welfare is good.

“Pupils are developing into articulate and thoughtful young people who value each other and their ideas, and are keen to learn.

“They react positively to the school’s consistent promotion of positive values throughout the day.”

The school was considered not yet outstanding because of some teaching inconsistencies, which meant some pupils were not given work appropriate to their level, and an unclear assessment system for pupil progress.

Headteacher Mrs Peta Collicott said following the inspection: “The school is delighted that Ofsted inspectors have recognised our teamwork and all the hard work and commitment we have given to our pupils as we strive towards achieving outstanding.”

Executive member for education Dominic Boeck said: “Congratulations to everyone at Hermitage School for a positive report which shows the good progress being made by the school.

“The report acknowledges the strong leadership from governors and staff, teamwork across the school and good behaviour from pupils.

“To me, this shows that the whole school community is working together to make the school the best it can possibly be.”