Gorse Hill primary school celebrates 'Good' Ofsted rating

Gorse Hill Primary School's previous inspection in 2018 resulted in a Requires Improvement mark in all categories - but now, four years later, it seems that those improvements have indeed been made.

Inspectors had a look around in September and praised the staff for being "very supportive to all children - they talk to them with respect and treat them as equals, which is very refreshing to see".

The report highlights how reports of bullying are handled: "Low-level disruption is rare.

"Pupils understand what bullying is. They are adamant that bullying does not happen. They know it would be dealt with quickly and sensitively if it did.”

Principal Luke Graham received specific credit for improving.

The report added: “Leaders are ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

"Staff appreciate the collegiate approach and culture shift in the school since the appointment of the current principal.”

Gorse Hill Primary School (Image: White Horse Federation)

The school is now rated Good in all areas: quality of education, behaviour, and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.

Mr Graham said: “It fills me with a great sense of pride that the Ofsted inspection team recognised the significant improvements that have been made, judging our school to be Good.

"This is a positive outcome for our school, pupils, and community.

"It is testament to the dedicated and hard-working staff team, who have worked tirelessly to improve the educational offer we provide to our children, and to our wonderful pupils who exemplify our school’s CARE values so brilliantly.

“It is also the result of the continued support that our school receives from The White Horse Federation, our local governing body, and our parents and carers.

"Excellence is not a destination - it is a continuous journey that never ends, so we will build on this strong foundation to provide the very best educational experiences and outcomes for our pupils.”

White Horse Federation's executive director for primary education, Simon Cowley, said: “The staff and whole community at Gorse Hill Primary School should be extremely proud of this result.

"With the support of The White Horse Federation school improvement team, Luke and his colleagues have demonstrated an amazing togetherness, positivity, and enthusiasm that has seen them overcome disruption and build an extremely healthy school environment.

"With such an impressive and hard-working team, I am sure we are yet to see even more improvement at Gorse Hill.”