Beacon Primary School in New Invention has been celebrating after Ofsted recognised their "outstanding" school where children "love learning". Inspectors noted in their report that pupils were "excited" to attend the school and said they feel "happy and safe".
The school previously had been subject to a series of mediocre and negative reviews from Ofsted, with reports prior to 2014 noting student attendance issues and listing the school as "requires improvement". But after a change in leadership and a new direction, the school has been rising through the ratings with each visit.
Councillor Adam Hicken, who has been a Governor at the school since 2015, said "It has been great to follow the journey of this outstanding school. It has not been easy for the school and we aren't in an area of affluence, but the staff have risen to the challenge and are transforming children's lives. I have seen first-hand the changes that Beacon Primary School is making to our area. Discipline and respect has risen in local children, and anti-social behaviour has fallen. I genuinely believe that this school is putting children on a path to success in their later lives.
"A huge thank you to the staff on behalf of myself, and I'm sure the entire community, for their outstanding efforts".
The report states:
"Pupils are excited and enthusiastic to attend Beacon Primary School. They are very proud and openly say they ‘love their school’. They know and appreciate that their school has an environment that is unlike others. The school works hard to ensure that it is an oasis of aspiration, opportunity, curiosity and enthusiasm. In addition, leaders pay serious attention to ensuring pupils develop real-life skills and receive a high-quality education. Pupils make the most of the excellent education they receive. There are high standards in all subjects. However, it is more than just well-sequenced lessons that pupils benefit from.
The range of experiences on offer to develop pupils’ character and broaden their horizons is exemplary. Pupils are exposed to the expectations and rewards of being responsible and fulfilling commitments by, for example, earning, saving and utilising the school bank. There is a rich menu of wider opportunities to help pupils become well-rounded, healthy, responsible citizens. School staff go the extra mile to provide these opportunities. Pupils are happy and say they feel safe in school. They know that there is support at hand if they find things difficult or feel concerned. Pupils say they love learning. They know that expectations are high and enjoy rising to the challenges every day. Consequently, pupils achieve well."
The overall outcome of the inspection on 27th February 2024 was: Outstanding
Quality of education:
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes:
Outstanding
Personal development:
Outstanding
Leadership and management:
Outstanding
Early years provision:
Outstanding
