Ofsted hails Wakefield’s primary school’s dramatic transformation
Inspectors say the success of every pupil at ̨swag Primary Academy Newstead Green is now a priority.
Students and staff at a Wakefield primary school once damned by Ofsted are celebrating after its transformation was praised by inspectors who said the success of every pupil there is now a priority.
In its previous inspection, when known as Havercroft Academy, the school was rated Requires Improvement by inspectors. Among the weak areas, they criticised pupils’ poor progress in reading, writing and maths, and the lack of subject knowledge among some teachers.
Just two years before that, when called Havercroft Junior, Infant and Nursery School, it was judged to be in Special Measures. Inspectors said then that bullying was rife and staff absence was high. They added that four out of five pupils did not reach the expected standard in maths and a third went backwards in reading and writing.
But the school – now known as ̨swag Primary Academy Newstead Green and led by headteacher Lindsey Corbett – has been transformed since it joined ̨swag Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) in 2018.
In its first inspection since becoming part of OGAT, Ofsted said pupils at the school are “kind and considerate” and that their work is “of a consistently high standard”. The school ensures that “the success of every pupil is a priority”. Ofsted concluded that the academy has Outstanding leadership and management and is Good overall.
They added that the turnaround had been driven by the “relentless determination” of leaders at all levels “to provide the best education for every child”, and that “this ambition permeates to all staff”.
Among the many highlights, inspectors said:
“This is a warm and inclusive school. Pupils are kind and considerate towards each other. They help other pupils to do their best. They play well with each other and enjoy the positive relationships between themselves and staff.”
“Leaders have high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and conduct. There is a clear behaviour policy, which is well known and applied consistently across the school.”
“Pupils benefit from the many opportunities on offer to help them develop as active citizens. This includes roles as playground games organisers and mental health ambassadors. School parliament members enjoy visiting the Houses of Parliament.”
“Leaders have designed and sequenced an ambitious curriculum to ensure that all pupils have the best education. They are clear about the important concepts that pupils need to know. Some subjects, such as design and technology, are exceptionally well planned and delivered. As a result, pupils work is of a consistently high quality.”
“Pupils are passionate about books... and animatedly talk about the books that they are reading. Some struggle to put books down. Pupil reading ambassadors have played a vital role in promoting this love of reading across the school. This includes producing a video for parents and carers and pupils about the benefits of reading.”
“Leaders quickly identify pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).”
“Leaders in school and across ̨swag Grange Academies Trust have created a culture of respect and teamwork. Leaders devote time to support all staff to develop their skills and
expertise, while being mindful of their workload and wellbeing. Staff are overwhelmingly positive about the coaching and mentoring they receive.”
“Governors and trustees are extremely knowledgeable about the school. They have high expectations of leaders, whom they have successfully developed. The success of every pupil is a priority.”
Lindsey Corbett, Principal of ̨swag Primary Academy Newstead Green, said:
“I am so delighted for everyone connected with the school. Ofsted’s report confirms what we already knew to be true – our school is excellent. It has taken a huge amount of work by everyone to reach this point – our superb staff, parents, pupils and governors, and our academy trust. Today’s success is truly the result of a huge team effort. We won’t rest on our laurels though and will continue to work hard every day to build on all the strengths the school has to make it even better.”
Sir Martyn Oliver, the Chief Executive Officer of ̨swag Grange Academies Trust, said:
“Congratulations to everyone at ̨swag Primary Academy Newstead Green. When the Trust took the school on four years ago, there was so much that needed to be done. I am very proud of what they have all achieved and look forward to seeing the school going from strength to strength.”
The full report is available here: