Shrewsbury primary school out of special measures

Shrewsbury Cathedral Catholic Primary School has been judged 'good' in all areas, following a two-day inspection.

Headteacher Kerrie Lewis said the school and its staff were thrilled at the progress.

She said: "This Ofsted report reflects the high standards which the staff, pupils, parents and Interim Executive Board members have worked so hard for. Rightly, we are all very proud of our school. Our journey to 'outstanding' has already begun."

Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for children's services, commended the school on its achievement.

She said: "I'm thrilled that Ofsted inspectors have recognised the substantial improvements that have been made at Shrewsbury Cathedral Catholic Primary School. This is the result of a lot of very hard work on the part of staff and the Interim Executive Board and I'm really pleased for the acting head and her team.

"Pupils and their parents can be confident that the school now provides a good education which prepares children well for the future, and I congratulate all those who have played a part in this success."

Inspectors found that "strong leadership and governance have turned this school around" and that the acting headteacher, Interim Executive Board, Shropshire Council and Diocese of Shrewsbury have "successfully addressed the weaknesses that previously caused the school's decline in performance and effectiveness".

The report concluded that "standards are improving rapidly and securely and pupils make good progress", and that "pupils enjoy learning within a broad range of subjects and activities".

Inspectors observed lessons, held discussions with the acting head, the deputy head, pupils, teachers, parents and the Interim Executive Board. They also listened to pupils' reading and scrutinised work.

They found that good teaching is now more established and consistent across classes, and that this has led to standards in reading, writing and mathematics rising.

They say that pupils across the school are making good progress.

The report says that pupils are confident, mature and responsible, are very keen and are energised by the range of topics they study. It says that "a rich and broad variety of projects, visits and special themes enliven pupils and make learning interesting and enjoyable".

Inspectors also praised the acting headteacher for providing "strong and effective leadership", saying that she has "transformed" the school since joining in February 2015.

They noted that staff morale is high and that governors and leaders have "galvanised the staff team to work together and reverse the school's previous decline in performance and effectiveness".