A primary school in Farnley has now been classed as a ‘good’ school by Ofsted inspectors.
Ryecroft Academy was told it ‘required improvement’ after its last Ofsted inspection in May 2017.
But the latest inspection in September has seen it become classified as good overall – and in some areas, it’s outstanding. Inspectors graded:
- The quality of education as good
- Behaviour and attitudes as good
- Personal development outstanding
- Leadership and management as outstanding
- And early years provision as good
The Ofsted report says:
“The headteacher and staff have created a caring, nurturing school where pupils achieve well. Pupils learn well in subjects such as reading, mathematics and writing.
“In some subjects, such as geography and science, they do not remember all the valuable information.
“Pupils’ behaviour in school is good. Incidents of bullying are rare. Pupils know that staff will support them with any concerns, including bullying.”
The inspector said children settle quickly into Nursery and Reception classes and ‘make a good start with their learning’. The report adds:
“Relationships with parents and carers and members of the surrounding community have improved. Many parents like the improvements in the school over the last two years.
“A very small number of parents of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) were not as positive.
“When inspectors looked at the provision for pupils with SEND, we found that staff plan carefully to meet the needs of these pupils. The GORSE Academy Trust has supported the school to improve.
“Training from the trust has helped leaders and staff to improve teaching. The trust has helped to make a good-quality school building for pupils to learn in. “
The leadership of Principal Helen Townsley at the school in Stonebridge Grove is also singled out for praise.
Oftsed’s findings will be a welcome relief for the GORSE Academy Trust, which was recently accused of “off rolling” low-achieving pupils to another school to “falsely inflate” exam results. The Trust has strongly denied the accusations.
Stephen Longfellow Academy in south Leeds and The Farnley Academy, which are both run by GORSE, were both subsequently inspected by Ofsted in October. The results of the inspections are awaiting release.
The Ofsted report for Ryecroft Academy can be read in full here.
