A Teesside school’s silver jubilee celebrations have got off to the best possible start after it was handed a glowing report by Ofsted.
Inspectors say St Thérèse of Lisieux Catholic Primary School in Ingleby Barwick secures a “strong standard” status in all seven areas – achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance and personal development and wellbeing.
The school, which has 230 pupils aged from three to 11, is part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT), which operates 38 schools across Teesside and North Yorkshire.
Delighted executive head of school Helen Lickess said everyone at St Thérèse is delighted with the report.
“We are incredibly proud to have achieved a ‘strong standard’ across every single area,” she said.
“While this is a wonderful achievement for all connected with the school, our true pride lies in our pupils, who the report describes as ‘excellent role models’ who ‘flourish’ in everything they do.
“We also feel so proud to have such a ‘broad and ambitious’ curriculum where every child is supported to reach their full potential.
“This success belongs to our whole school community, and we are more committed than ever to giving our children the very best opportunities and start in life that we possibly can.”
Executive headteacher Mark Ryan thanked everyone who he said worked so hard to make St Thérèse such a happy, thriving place to work and learn. He said:
“This report is a direct result of the incredible dedication of our entire school community. I am so proud of what we have achieved together.
“Our exceptional teaching staff are the cornerstone of our success, inspiring a love for learning every day. Equally vital are our invaluable non-teaching staff, whose professionalism and care create the nurturing environment that allows everyone to thrive.
“The trust and engagement of our supportive parish, parents and families are truly invaluable. We are so grateful for their partnership.
“My thanks also go to our dedicated governors for their strategic guidance and to NPCAT for their unwavering support and vision.
“Most importantly, I’d like to thank our wonderful children, who are the heart of our school. “You are a huge credit to your families and it’s a real joy and privilege to be with you every single day.”
Among the report’s findings, inspectors said:
- “Pupils flourish at this school. The school places pupils and their families at the heart of its work. This sense of community is woven through many aspects of school life.”
- “The school’s high expectations for behaviour are ever present. Pupils rise to these expectations with ease.”
- “[The curriculum] is expertly designed to help pupils build and connect their knowledge together.”
- “Highly effective adaptations to lessons and extra help enable pupils to access their learning. Pupils with barriers to learning receive highly consistent, effective support so that they can learn and achieve highly alongside their peers.”
- “Children make a super start in early years. A carefully planned curriculum enables children to develop the important early reading, writing and mathematical skills and knowledge they need to achieve well.”
- “Leaders and staff demonstrate a detailed understanding of the school’s context. This enables them to support pupils and remove any barriers to learning pupils may have in highly impactful ways.”
- “Leaders focus sharply on the right areas for school development. Leaders at all levels demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to sustain the high-quality curriculum.”
A series of celebrations is being planned for later in the year to celebrate St Thérèse’s 25th birthday.
Built in response to the rapid expansion of Ingleby Barwick, the school was opened by the then Bishop of Middlesbrough the Rt Rev John Crowley.
It has previously been named among the top 200 primary schools in the country in the Sunday Times Parent Power survey.
