A VILLAGE school deemed ‘small but mighty’ has reinforced its reputation for quality learning with an outstanding rating from Ofsted.
Marton-Cum-Grafton Church of England Primary School, near Boroughbridge, received a top ranking for the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.
The 15 staff and 99 pupils, aged three to eleven, celebrated with the community after inspectors recognised that the school ‘may be small but it has a big heart’.
Part of the Elevate Multi Academy Trust since 2019, the school won high praise for feeling like ‘one big family’.
The inspectors’ report stated: “This is a small school with high expectations. The values of kindness, courage and respect are shared by all staff, pupils and families.
“Pupils are happy, safe and feel valued. They are proud that everyone is welcome in the school. Pupils are effusive about learning and are determined to make every lesson count. Across all areas of the curriculum, pupils achieve exceptionally well in this remarkable school.”
Inspectors highlighted the warm and nurturing relationships evident between staff and pupils, the excellent behaviour which meant that in lessons pupils listened attentively, collaborated and supported each other.
The report noted the access to a wide range of educational visits including the local Viking centre, the National Railway Museum and an annual residential opportunity. “These experiences help pupils to develop their curiosity and confidence,” the report said.
“Pupils take on a wide range of leadership responsibilities. They show empathy and respect to one another. Pupils attend a rich array of extra-curricular activities including sports, art and baking. The school provides alternative opportunities for pupils who cannot attend these activities outside of the school day, including during the holidays. Almost all pupils in school access the offer.”
Inspectors praised the school’s ambitious curriculum which was ‘carefully constructed to ensure progression within the mixed-age year groups’.
“Pupils’ understanding of the local community and wider world is very strong,” the report said. “They learn in detail about the local village. They use this knowledge to compare their locality to other areas.
“Skilled staff ensure the curriculum is implemented consistently. Pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, build rich knowledge across the curriculum.”
Inspectors praised that pupils with additional needs were identified quickly, teachers knew how to support them and adapted their delivery of the curriculum skilfully.
The report noted the priority given to reading. “Strong phonics teaching ensures that younger pupils quickly learn to read,” inspectors said. “Teachers use their careful checks on pupils’ learning to ensure that books are closely matched to the sounds that pupils know. Pupils who need extra help are provided with high-quality additional support. They quickly develop reading fluency and stamina as a result.”
Pupils’ behaviour was said to be impeccable. The school built very positive relationships with parents and carers. “This approach helps to ensure that the school is at the heart of the community,” the report said.
Head teacher Marie-Louise Thirlaway was thrilled by the findings. She said: “I have been here since 2003 and seen a lot of changes but the school has always been at the heart of what is a vibrant community.
“One of the things which is special about the school is it’s family feel and we all work together to live out our values of kindness, courtesy and respect. Staff, governors and families are all invested in getting the very best education for our children. We know each one as an individual and the relationship between staff, children and families is key. What you see are children flourishing because their needs are met.”
Elevate chief executive Nigel Ashley added: “This amazing school thoroughly deserves this incredible report and we are thrilled that the inspectors captured the essence of what makes it so special.”