Celebrations at first school in Shropshire to be deemed ‘Exceptional’ by Ofsted inspectors
Stokesay School in Craven Arms had been in special measures just a few years ago
A south Shropshire school is celebrating after becoming the first in the county to be given the accolade of “exceptional” by Ofsted inspectors.
The educational watchdog changed the way it grades schools and colleges in November last year, with each core area of a school now evaluated individually on one of five grades ranging from ‘Urgent Improvement’ to ‘’Exceptional.
However, so far no school in Shropshire has been rated Exceptional in any area, and only 13 schools in England and Wales have been handed the accolade.
Now Stokesay School in Craven Arms has been given the county’s first Exceptional grade by the experts for its inclusivity.
Ofsted visited the school on April 14, and in a report published on Tuesday (June 16) said: “Pupils flourish within this warm and friendly school, where staff are highly ambitious for all children. Pupils express pride in being part of a community where 'everyone fits' and friendships are easy to make.”
Inspectors handed the school a Strong Standard rating across the board, except for in the Inclusion criterion in which inspectors said in their report: “Leaders' actions have had a transformational impact on pupils' achievement. Leaders and staff identify pupils’ needs swiftly and with precision.
“As a result, leaders reduce barriers to learning and wellbeing promptly so pupils remain fully engaged in learning. Support is thoughtfully reviewed and adjusted so that it remains closely matched to pupils’ needs over time. This means that, at Stokesay, all pupils thrive.”
Paul O’Malley, executive headteacher, explained the school’s approach.
He said: “We don’t see barriers as reasons why children can’t succeed. Our staff see them as the starting point for helping children flourish. In our school education is not something children must fit into. Instead, our school reshapes itself around each child. Staff work relentlessly to remove barriers, ensuring every pupil can succeed, whatever their starting point.
“Pupils are supported not just to participate, but to succeed, to speak up, take part, and achieve in ways that matter to them.
“The approach of the school has led to very high levels of success, with the school repeatedly getting amongst the highest in Shropshire for SATS, and they are well above national averages, including for the brightest children. The Ofsted report says that across the school, ‘pupils make excellent progress’, and ‘the school allows all pupils to achieve their full potential’.”
The recognition shows a transformation at the school that was in special measures in 2011 and was graded Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2017.
It is now a highly successful school having been taken over by the TrustEd Schools multi academy trust.
“Stokesay’s approach is built on enabling rather than labelling children,” said Jo Evans, TrustEd Schools deputy CEO. "Every child arrives at school with strengths. As educators, our job is to help them discover them. At Stokesay School the whole staff focus on what each child needs to achieve well and thrive, whether they are gifted academically, or have other talents.”
William Vaughan, head of school, said: “I feel that what has made Stokesay exceptional is not just the outcomes, but the way those outcomes have been achieved. Our staff climb alongside pupils every step of the way - supporting, adapting and encouraging - so that progress is shared and success follows for all.”
Sarah Godden, CEO of TrustEd Schools, added: “Exceptional schools are not built overnight. At Stokesay School, it has been brick by brick, child by child, and year by year that improvements have been made.
“We always thought that Stokesay School was a special place, with great pupils, staff and community. We are so thrilled by this remarkable recognition, and congratulate the leaders, governors, staff, pupils and whole community for this great achievement.”
The school is celebrating this national recognition with a circus day for the children. The pupils are taking part in some inspiring circus skills, workshops, and then the whole community will enjoy a brilliant performance in the Big Top at the end of the day.
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