Shrewsbury primary school turns itself around
A Shrewsbury primary school which was rated as needing to improve has turned itself around and been awarded a 'good' status by inspectors.
The Martin Wilson School in Castlefields, was criticised for its quality of teaching and poor pupil achievement in a previous inspection carried out in 2013.
But now, inspectors from Ofsted said the school was happy and inclusive where children thrive.
An inspection was carried out from June 30 to July 1 and in their report, which was released this week, inspectors Mary Hughes and Christopher Minton said: "The headteacher, senior leaders and governors have successfully improved the school since the last inspection. They have raised pupils' achievement and the quality of teaching. Consequently, both are now good.
Read the full Ofsted report on The Martin Wilson School here
"Teachers provide interesting and motivating lessons and pupils learn well as a result. Pupils achieve well."
The inspectors also found that disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs achieve well and the school offers a good support network for vulnerable pupils and their parents.
The report added: "Teaching is good and much improved since the last inspection when it was found to require improvement. Teachers now have higher expectations of what pupils should achieve in their work.
Relationships between staff and pupils are especially strong. This gives pupils the confidence to have a go at new work without fear of failure. A calm, purposeful atmosphere for learning has been created in most classes.
"Pupils thrive in a happy, caring environment where their welfare and safety are paramount. They enjoy their time in school."
The school, which has 231 pupils aged between three and 11, was not yet outstanding as pupils were sometimes given tasks which did not challenge them, were insufficiently self-critical, and did not always have sufficient opportunities to develop their reasoning skills.
On September 1 the school converted to academy status and is now in the process of becoming a member of The Shrewsbury Academies Trust.
Headteacher David Purslow said: "We are delighted with the report and it shows that all our hard work and dedication has paid off. We were particularly pleased that the inspectors said the school was an oasis of calm which is something we have worked hard to achieve.
"Since the last inspection we have made an effort to improve in all areas. This is only the second time the school has been rated as good and it is something we are very proud of."
