Oxenhope Church of England Primary School, achieved the highest mark possible when Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) inspectors visited earlier this month.
The glowing report, which evaluates how effective the school’s Christian ethos, vision and character is, highlighted the “transformational Christian vision” and “dynamic leadership” which ensures school is “a beacon of hope for all.”
The “inspirational’ RE provision” was also praised, coupled with the strong and seamless curriculum offer meaning “Pupils are able to explore beliefs with confidence and security resulting in superb progress” during their time at school.
Overall the curriculum and education offer was applauded. Inspectors described a “curriculum designed with exceptional care and (which) is vision driven,” highlighting how “Each curriculum area cohesively articulates how the subject enables all to flourish.” Provision for children with special educational needs was also praised as being adapted to the individual needs of each learner and delivered in partnership with families and parents.
Collective worship was described as “inclusive,” “invitational,” “joyful” and “a rich blessing to the school community”. Pupil worship leaders were praised as “passionate in their planning and evaluation of worship”.
The outward facing nature of the school was also highlighted with inspectors commenting positively on working relationships with the Diocese of Leeds and Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust with staff being “effusive in the appreciation of the training and pastoral support they receive.” Governors were also praised for their knowledge and understanding of Church School Education.
Headteacher Alice Jones said staff and students were delighted with the result: “Oxenhope is a small village school in a big and diverse world and a key part of what we do is to help our children grow to do good for themselves and their communities wherever their ambition takes them. Having this recognised is a tribute to the hard work staff and pupils put in every day.”
Chair of Governors, Kevin Campbell-Wright, agreed adding: “The school vision is to promote love, community and growth, cornerstones not only for Christian children but those of different or no faith. This inspection demonstrates how we’re achieving that vision for all our children, our staff and our community.”
Carol Dewhurst OBE, Chief Executive of BDAT, added: “Oxenhope is one of twelve primary schools within the Trust that are working hard to achieve great outcomes but also challenging children to develop spiritually as part of their community. It is so heartening to finish the school year with such excellent commendation of the culture of care, nurture and compassion prevalent through the school, coupled with the endorsement of the quality of education being delivered day in and day out.”
The SIAMS report is available to read in full here.