St Andrew’s Primary at Chardstock is rated ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ features by Ofsted inspectors

Staff and pupils at St Andrew’s Primary School, Chardstock, are celebrating after being rated ‘good’ with ‘outstanding’ features following a recent Ofsted inspection

The visit found that teaching was consistently ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ and that strong leadership was ensuring rapid improvement in all areas of the Church of England school. Attainment within the school was also commented on with the inspector impressed by its sharp rise since the last inspection.

The school was given the highest grading of ‘outstanding’ for its leadership and management and ‘good’ in all other areas. The report stated the extremely strong leadership of the executive headteacher Andrea Rice, and very effective governing body, were ensuring rapid progress in all areas of the school with a relentless drive to improve further.

Parents also spoke of seeing a definite improvement since the executive headteacher and new teachers were appointed.

Inspectors reported that the change of teaching staff had brought about a transformation in the quality of teaching. They said: “Teachers work very hard to make lessons stimulating so that pupils want to learn.

“Throughout the school attainment has risen sharply and reading has improved significantly.”

Mrs Rice thanked the new staff at the school for their hard work at raising standards and parents for their continuing support whilst the changes were made.

She added: “I am particularly pleased that the inspector recognised the significant improvements which have occurred since becoming a part of the Acorn Federation. The staff, children and parents have all worked exceptionally hard at improving our school. We are very proud of what we have achieved so far and look forward to building upon this success.”