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Long Knowle Primary School, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, was judged to be "Good" following a visit by Ofsted last month - with inspectors praising the "clear and ambitious" vision of the headteacher, senior leaders and governors which has led to "marked improvements in teaching and pupils' achievement".
The inspection took place on 19 and 20 January, 2016, and saw the 240 pupil school rated Good in all 5 review areas, including the effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare, outcomes for pupils and early years provision. The school had been judged as requiring improvement at its last inspection.
In their report, inspectors highlighted how the headteacher, with the support of her senior leaders and governors, has "worked with dogged determination to change the school's culture... to one where there are high expectations of pupils and staff", while the governing board is now playing a stronger part in the life of the school.
They found that the quality of teaching has "improved a great deal" since the school's last inspection, with teachers having a good relationship with their pupils who "typically rise to this expectation", meaning they make good progress in a range of subjects, particularly writing.
Inspectors also noted that pupils get off to a "good start" in early years, with skilled teaching helping children make rapid progress in all areas of learning. Long Knowle's programme of personal, social and health education is particularly strong, they added.
Headteacher Karen Elliot said: "I am so pleased with the outcome of the Ofsted inspection. It is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the whole staff team at Long Knowle and to the children and parents who support our drive to make the school the best it can be."
Councillor Claire Darke, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: "This is a very pleasing inspection report, which shows the great progress that has been made at Long Knowle Primary School in recent months.
"I'm delighted that the hard work of the headteacher, her leadership team, the pupils and the governing board has been recognised, and I am sure parents will join me in congratulating them on this achievement.
"Everyone at Long Knowle Primary School has worked well with the council to secure the changes and improvements required, and we will continue to support the leadership team to continue their good progress and further raise standards for pupils over the coming months."
The inspection report is available on the Ofsted Type=links;Linkid=6177;Title=website;Target=_blank;.
- released: Friday 12 February, 2016