A SCHOOL in York has turned around its fortunes following an Ofsted inspection.
Osbaldwick Primary Academy, which has 275 pupils, was graded outstanding for personal development and good in all other areas by inspectors when they visited the school in the Summer.
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The school received an overall strong set of outcomes, with all other key areas—quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and Early Years provision—judged as good. At a previous inspection in 2023 the school was judged as 'requires improvement'.
Head teacher Matthew Brown said, who took over the headship of the school when Lesley Barringer retired back in 2019, said: “"We are immensely proud of this report, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, the support of the Ebor Academy Trust, and the wonderful attitude of our pupils.
"Achieving 'outstanding' for personal development is a huge commendation for the culture we have built—where academic success and personal development go hand in hand developing a strong sense of community, leadership, and moral purpose."
The inspection report praised the school’s ability to develop pupils’ character exceptionally well, noting: "They know how they can make the world a better place."
Becki Dean – outgoing Chair of Governors has been a governor at the school for many years while her own children attended, and believes the successful formula is down to the staff and leadership, saying,
"The governors are absolutely thrilled to see the first-rate dedication of our staff team recognised and celebrated in this report. We know that every member of the Osbaldwick team is fiercely driven to ensure the best possible outcomes for our children and their families.
Osbaldwick Primary Academy is part of York-based Ebor Academy Trust and inspectors said: "Pupils clearly understand the school’s expectations of their conduct in and around school. They listen to each other’s views and treat each other with respect.
"Pupils’ attendance is good. The school is quick to intervene if attendance starts to lower and makes every effort to find solutions to any issues that arise. The school develops pupils’ character exceptionally well.
"Pupils have a wealth of opportunities to contribute to the life of the school, trust and wider city. They know how they can make the world a better place. The school has put in place an enhanced personal, social, health and economic curriculum.
"Pupils remember their learning from these lessons. They reflect on their learning about British values and equalities and hold meaningful conversations about how these can be improved.
"The school provides pupils with extensive opportunities to think about future careers, healthy relationships and peer pressure. Pupils are also confident in sharing their knowledge of how to stay safe online and within the community."
When it came to where the school could improve inspectors said that 'on occasion, staff are unsure of what they need to do to provide effective and timely support for some pupils with special educational needs (SEND), and the trust should work with staff to provide them with the guidance that they need'.
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