'Delighted that inspectors recognised this special place' - North Shropshire school celebrates glowing Ofsted report

Stoke-on-Tern Primary School near Market Drayton, has been rated 'Outstanding' for its personal development offer, and 'Good' for its quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision, following an inspection in July. 

The primary school had previously received a 'Requires Improvement' grading after an inspection in 2023. However, in a report published on September 9, the school was praised for making "well-considered curriculum changes".

• Sign up today to get all the latest news headlines from Shropshire and Mid Wales delivered straight to your inbox with the Shropshire Star’s free newsletter

Ofsted has commended the school for its "passion and determination" to help pupils be the best they can. Inspectors were impressed with a wide range of clubs and activities that "encourage and nurture" pupil's talents and interests, including coding club, ‘Little Troopers’ and ‘Pudding and Pie’. 

Pupils are also said to be active in the wider school community, running clubs for their peers and participating in the school council. They were described as "confident, caring and respectful".

Co-headteachers at Stoke-on-Tern Primary School, Theresa Evans and Jen Brotherhood, expressed their joy at the outcome of the inspection. 

They said: "This result is a reflection of the entire school community and we are delighted that the inspectors recognised just what a special place Stoke-on-Tern Primary School is.

"At whatever age children start their journey with us, we prioritise their emotional well-being as well as promoting high academic standards. We warmly welcome new pupils and encourage parents to come and see what we have on offer."

Ofsted also noted that parents and carers of pupils were "overwhelmingly supportive" of the school, quoting one parent who said: "This school has helped my children reach their goals and potential and build the belief they need in themselves to achieve great things."

The report stated: "The school’s passion and determination to help pupils ‘to be the best that we can be’ is lived and breathed at Stoke-on-Tern. Pupils and staff are happy to attend such a special place. 

"Most pupils attain well and are proud of their achievements. They are equally proud of their contribution to the wider life of the school. Pupils enjoy coming to school and attend well. 

"Relationships that are rooted in mutual respect and shared values lie at the heart of managing behaviour. Staff know pupils well and show a genuine care for them. As a result, pupils behave well. 

"They value these relationships and trust adults to help with any problems that might arise. This helps them to feel safe in school. 

"Everyone in the ‘Stokeon-Tern family’ is treated fairly and equally. 

"The school’s ambition for pupils is not limited to the classroom. There is a wide range of activities, experiences and enrichment that pupils take advantage of. They enjoy the wealth of opportunities that leaders have created for them. 

"Pupils play an important part in creating a school where everyone is celebrated and valued. The school is determined that these experiences have a lasting impact for pupils when they leave Stoke-on-Tern."