Telford primary school is 'outstanding'

A Telford primary school has been rated 'outstanding' following a visit from Ofsted – and inspectors say it is in the top six per cent of schools visited this year.

Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge Church of England Primary School received the news this week as the latest report was released by inspection chiefs, much to the delight of the school's headteacher

Headteacher Sue Blackburn confirmed that she had been informed that her school was now classed as 'outstanding' by Ofsted.

She said: "I am delighted that Ofsted has officially recognised the tremendous progress that our children make in all aspects of school life, made possible through the commitment and enthusiasm of staff and the school community."

Nicola Surzyn, chairwoman of governors at the school, said: "The school governors are delighted with the result and thank the head and staff for the dedication and determination which has gone into this achievement.

"Our pupils have been great ambassadors for our school during this process and their education, welfare and happiness will continue to be at the heart of further improvements."

The achievement comes just weeks after the school celebrated its centenary with a street party and ball for parents, staff and former pupils.

The report from Ofsted states: "Pupils have outstanding spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, which is reflected in their lively understanding of themselves and the world around them and their excellent behaviour.

"There is a strong sense of working together to help one another in school and pupils make an outstanding contribution to the wider community.

"Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge . . . is an outstanding school which fulfils its aim to be 'a Christian school where every child matters, is valued and is able to shine'.

"The strong leadership of the headteacher, ably supported by senior leaders and members of the governing body, has ensured that ambition and high expectations for all pupils are the basis of the exciting and engaging curriculum."

By Peter Finch