Ofsted upgrade for "caring and vibrant" Charlbury Primary School
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Charlbury Primary School is a “caring and vibrant” place where “pupils achieve well”.
That is the verdict of Ofsted, which has awarded the school a Good rating following a visit before Easter.
April’s inspection was the school’s first since becoming part of River Learning Trust.
The school had been rated Inadequate in March 2019 and joined RLT later that year.
After the most recent visit, Ofsted inspectors praised the school’s “highly astute” leadership and its aspirational culture.
They added:
- “Pupils feel valued. They are taught to appreciate each other’s unique qualities and treat everyone with kindness and compassion."
- “Leaders are highly ambitious for pupils, leading by example on the school motto ‘to be the best we can be and do the best we can do’."
- “The school is determined to give pupils the very best start to their education.
- “Pupils concentrate well in lessons and behave calmly and politely around school and at social times.”
Chair of governors Kim Harrison praised Charlie Barwell’s work as headteacher at Charlbury.
Mrs Harrison said: “Charlie has communicated a highly aspirational vision brilliantly to the staff. They are on board with this and they are proud to be part of the school’s transformation.
“Inspectors were clear that changes needed to be made at the school. We are pleased that they were able to see not only that these changes have been made, but that they have been made in a considered way that has created an environment in which staff feel fully supported.”
RLT chief executive Paul James said: “As well as the overall judgement, we are particularly pleased that the report noted the hard work that is done to remove barriers to learning.
“Ofsted judgements aren’t everything, but we recognise their value in terms of staff and parent morale, as well as wider community pride.
“Every community deserves a great school at its heart and we are thrilled to be able to deliver one for Charlbury and its surrounding villages.”