Twice the success for schools

Double celebrations are in order in Normanton after two primary schools, run by the same trust, achieved '˜good' in their latest Ofsted inpsection.
Great performers: Normanton Common Primary Academy (top) and Normanton Junior Academy.Great performers: Normanton Common Primary Academy (top) and Normanton Junior Academy.
Great performers: Normanton Common Primary Academy (top) and Normanton Junior Academy.

Normanton Common Primary Academy, which was judged to be ‘good’ in 2014, was told by inspector Ella Besharati that it had demonstrated “marked improvement”.

Following her visit in February, she said it could be heading towards being recognised as ‘outstanding’.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Meanwhile Normanton Junior Academy was graded ‘good’ overall following an inspection in March, with the effectiveness of leadership and management deemed to be ‘outstanding’.

Normanton Junior Academy.Normanton Junior Academy.
Normanton Junior Academy.

The school has not been inspected since becoming an academy in August 2015.

David Dickinson, CEO of Waterton Academy Trust, which oversees both schools, said: “These judgements should be seen as a real cause for celebration across the city of Wakefield, and especially within Normanton. I personally would like to pay tribute to the students, staff, governors, parents and carers at both schools. It is they that have kept faith and worked so hard. I couldn’t be any prouder.” Ofsted said Normanton Junior Academy headteacher Trudie Southward leads “with vision, strength and humanity” and has established an “enthusiastic and able” team of staff.

The inspection report said pupils were well prepared with the knowledge and skills they needed for life in modern Britain. Mrs Southward said: “This is an exciting time for the school and I look forward to continuing the journey and building on our success as we strive towards ‘outstanding’ in all areas.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ofsted said the head teacher at Normanton Common Linsey Cavell has high expectations of staff and is aspirational for pupils. The watchdog said pupils’ progress in reading and mathematics had been in the top 20 per cent of schools nationally for two years.

Paul Beaman, chairman of Waterton Academy Trust, said: “These judgements are the product of years of hard work and dedication. Staff, students and parents have all contributed to the raising of aspirations and standards within both schools and this is reflected in these excellent Ofsted Judgements.

“In relation to Normanton Junior Academy, for a school move from ‘inadequate’ to ‘good with outstanding features’ in less than three years is a huge achievement.

“Equally as impressive, is for Normanton Common Primary Academy to now be deemed to be improving towards being outstanding.”

Related topics: