Children and staff at Somersham Primary School, part of Meridian Trust, are celebrating a positive report from Ofsted as they were rated ‘Outstanding’ in a recent inspection.
The school had been previously rated ‘Inadequate’ in a 2018 inspection, highlighting its incredible progress. The school joined Cambridge Primary Education Trust after this inspection in 2019 (CPET later merged with CMAT to become Meridian Trust in April 2022).
Jonathan Clarke, Headteacher of Somersham Primary School, said: “I am absolutely delighted with this Ofsted report, which epitomises all the hard work our staff, children, parents and Academy Council have put in.
“Here at Somersham Primary School, we provide our children with a high-quality learning environment allowing them to flourish. We are all very pleased that the report celebrates the great progress that the children and school have made.”
The report praised the school in many different areas.
Behaviour was of particular focus with inspectors commenting: ‘pupils are always respectful, polite and considerate towards everyone in school. They behave impeccably both in lessons and at playtime.’
The school was also commended for creating an inspiring learning environment, stating: ‘Pupils helped to devise the school values of pride, honesty, kindness and determination. These values match the vision of the trust, and they are more than just words.’
Another focus for praise within the report, was the school’s curriculum, with inspectors commenting: ‘pupils study a carefully planned curriculum that starts in the early years. This helps pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to achieve exceptionally well.’
The report continued to heap praise on its support for children with special educational needs: ‘the provision for pupils with SEND is highly effective. The school ensures that pupils with SEND receive appropriate and timely support. Teachers are skilled at adapting learning activities. They ensure that pupils with SEND can access the curriculum and learn successfully alongside others.’
Another area for success, was the school’s offering of extra-curriculum activities. The report states: ‘The school offers a wide range of extra–curricular clubs and activities. These help to develop pupils’ personal interests in areas such as sport, music, drama and nature. Many opportunities are provided for pupils to contribute to the community and to participate in educational trips.’
Lesley Birch, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Meridian Trust, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone at Somersham Primary School and across the Trust for achieving this outstanding report.
“The school has undergone significant change, and everyone at the school should be very proud of the praise from inspectors in this report.”
Meridian Trust received praise within the report for working closely with the school to shape a clear vision. Inspectors commented: ‘The school and trust have set a shared vision that parents understand and are hugely appreciative of. Staff communicate with parents regularly. They are determined in their efforts to involve parents in their children’s education as much as possible.’
For more information on the school please visit: https://www.somershamprimary.co.uk/