'Outstanding' Shrewsbury primary school in Wonderland after bowling over Ofsted inspectors
A school has been left in Wonderland after bowling over Ofsted inspectors to earn an "outstanding" rating.
Coleham Primary School in Shrewsbury was visited just before the Easter holidays, with the two-day inspection taking place as children were performing their school production, Alice In Wonderland. The school was also hosting a cricket coaching day.
A report from the visit, which was published last week, declared that the school is "outstanding" in every category including Leadership & Management, Quality of Education, Personal Development, Behaviour & Attitudes and the Early Years Foundation Stage.
The school was previously visited in December 2021 for a short inspection, with assessors saying there was enough evidence of improved performance to suggest that it could be judged outstanding if Ofsted were to carry out a full inspection. The full inspection finally took place on March 19 and 20 this year.
Inspectors said: “Pupils flourish at this dynamic and highly engaging school that is at the heart of its community, and children in the early years get off to an exceptional start. The school’s ambition for pupils’ education extends beyond the classroom and includes the school’s comprehensive and thoughtful enrichment programme. Warm, nurturing working relationships between adults and pupils permeate the school.”
“The school is resolute in developing the whole child. It places the highest value in its personal development curriculum with a focus on careers running throughout.”
Headteacher Tom Larkham said: “This outcome is a great moment for our community. It is a culmination of all the incredible work of our children, the support of their families, and of course the tireless work and sheer passion from our whole-staff team, past and present, over the last decade since the last full inspection.
"I want to thank everyone for the part they have played, including our wider school community. It is only with the support of our volunteers, charities, local businesses and partner organisations, that we are able to deliver our creative curriculum.
"Everything we do is to better the life chances of the children so they have successful futures. We make brave choices, regardless of the latest trends, and it is wonderful that Ofsted have recognised that and seen our school for what it is; a happy, thriving place to learn where creativity, care and community matters.”
Pupil Rosa Giani, aged 10, said: “I love coming to school every day. Teachers make learning fun and there are lots of opportunities to represent Coleham and go on trips. I’ve done netball, football, swimming, choir and we can be young entrepreneurs too. I ran my own scrunchie stall at the school fair raising £200.”
The school is part of The 3-18 Education Trust comprising of nine Shropshire primary and secondary schools, with their central offices based at brand new Bowbrook Primary School in Shrewsbury.
Coleham School is well known for releasing an annual Christmas video to the community, with thousands of views each year. So, it is no surprise, that the school have released a fun video short to announce the published Ofsted Report. The 45-second clip gives a flavour of the school’s creative ethos with parents, children and community members all involved in filming. The light-hearted film showcases the fun that staff and children have in school and promises at the end to be even better next year!
School Leaders are determined to continue their journey as they welcome new Reception starters for September 2024.
The school are currently recruiting for a brand-new teacher to join the school. They are looking for an ambitious teacher with a positive attitude to inspire a happy workplace. Job details are available on the school’s website.
The school’s Ofsted report is now available to view on the school’s website.