“INSPIRATIONAL and outstanding” are just some of the glowing terms used to describe a York primary school following a visit from Government inspectors.

Scarcroft Primary School received an overall grade of “outstanding” from Ofsted inspectors after their visit earlier this month.

The Moss Street school received the highest grade possible in all but two of the 33 categories in which it was assessed.

Jubilant head teacher Anna Cornhill said: “It means a lot because it’s recognition of the kind of work we do here.

“I have a committed team behind me who have put in an awful lot of work in to get us to this position.”

Mrs Cornhill said the pupils at Scarcroft had also played a big part in the success.

“We do try to involve the children as much as possible,” she explained.

“When we told them the inspectors were coming they wanted to choose what song to sing to them and wanted to show them our Chinese drumming.

“When I read out the letter from the inspectors in assembly this morning they all gave a big cheer.”

The letter written to the children by the inspection team tells of the “privilege” of being able to inspect the school.

Head inspector Linda Murphy wrote: “Yours is an excellent school because the head teacher and governors form a first-rate team with the other staff.

“They know just what to do to ensure you are happy, confident and mature learners who make the most of the great number of opportunities given to you.”

Throughout the assessment, the inspectors speak highly of all aspects of teaching at the school and describe the children’s moral, spiritual, cultural and social development as “first rate”. The report adds: “Many pupils view the outside of their listed Victorian school building as a ’magical castle’.

“It opens to a bright, vibrant and welcoming school.”

Despite the glowing report, Mrs Cornhill said the school would go on trying to reach the highest standard at every level.

“We know we are doing well but we aren’t being complacent,” she said.

“We aren’t going to sit here for the next three years resting on our laurels.”


Where the school did well

HERE are a few of the categories in which the school received a grade of outstanding were:

* Progress of pupils with learning disabilities.

* The extent to which pupils adopt healthy lifestyles.

* Standards reached by pupils.

* The high quality of care and education.

The inspectors found room for improvement in only two categories, they were:

* How well the school contributes to community cohesion.

* Attendance of learners.