In its first Ofsted inspection since opening its doors in 2017, Great Ouse Primary Academy in Bedford is celebrating being rated ‘Good’ in all areas.
The academy was praised for its “diverse community” and “ambitious curriculum” and received the overall rating of ‘Good’.
The report, which was published following a visit held on February 22nd and 23rd 2022, stated: “Great Ouse is a friendly and welcoming school. Pupils attend from many different backgrounds. They arrive each day with happy faces and greet staff politely at the school gate. Pupils are proud of their school.”
The report added: “Leaders have ensured the development of the curriculum as it has grown. There is an ambitious curriculum in place for all year groups from the early years to Year 6. Leaders have carefully considered the important things that pupils need to know and remember.”
Year 5 and 6 pupils from Great Ouse Primary Academy said why they are proud to go to the school.
Ibrahim said: “Great Ouse Primary Academy is a school where everyone treats each other how they themselves want to be treated.”
Aniya added: “I think Great Ouse is a fantastic school because all of the staff are caring and respect us.”
Yuvakshi said: “I really like going to Great Ouse Primary Academy because the lessons encourage pupils to learn more. The staff support us with our growth mindset.”
Hollie added: “I’m pleased our visitors from Ofsted saw a school where children can express individuality and ambitions are encouraged. It is an inclusive school where everyone is appreciated.”
And Faris said: “Great Ouse is a great school and I think this is because we have highly qualified teachers who are amazing and I love having fantastic friends. The lessons we learn here are super and I always learn something new from every lesson. I love coming to school.”
The arrangements for safeguarding at the school were reported as being effective with staff understanding their role in keeping pupils safe.
Extra-curricular opportunities and trips were also highlighted as a strength in the report. The report stated: “Many pupils take part in activities such as sport, singing and art. This helps to develop their interests and talents. There are more opportunities for pupils to participate in excursions and visits. Older pupils look forward to their residential trip to Dorset.”
Great Ouse Primary Academy has been a part of Meridian Trust since September 2021.
The Ofsted report noted: “Along with school governors, the Trust is at an early stage of finding out about how they can best challenge and support school leaders. Leaders have established a strong collaborative ethos. Staff are highly positive about how well leaders manage their workload and work life balance.”
Mark Woods, Chief Executive Officer of Meridian Trust, said: “Each and every one of the staff members at Great Ouse Primary Academy have gone above and beyond to ensure the school acts as a high-quality learning environment and an immense source of pride for the local community. Congratulations to everyone at the school who has played a part in this excellent Ofsted report.”
Great Ouse Primary Academy teaches more than 350 pupils including within their own pre-school.
For further information about the academy, visit: https://www.greatouse.beds.sch.uk/