Colsterworth Primary School received 'good' Ofsted after joining Abbey Academies Trust

A primary school has shown rapid improvement to go from 'inadequate' to 'good' after being taken over by an academy trust.

Colsterworth Primary School was rated as 'Good' after a recent Ofsted inspection.

This change came after Ofsted judged the school to be 'Inadequate' back in November 2017. In September 2018 school was taken into the Abbey Academies Trust, which runs Bourne Abbey and Elsea Park Primary academies.

The inspection report said: "Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. They show respect for each other and for staff. Bullying is rare. If it does happen, it is not tolerated and is dealt with quickly.

"Pupils feel safe and are very happy. They say that their teachers and leaders care about them."

Behaviour and attitudes at the school were judged as ‘Outstanding’, with the embedded "ethos of caring" also praised.

Sarah Moore, executive headteacher at the school, said “I can genuinely say it is an absolute privilege to have taken Colsterworth School into Abbey Academies Trust in September 2018 after an ‘Inadequate’ Ofsted judgment in November 2017.

"What an amazing journey we have been on since then."

She added that the Ofsted lead inspector said the "rapid and sustained improvement" is especially remarkable considering all the challenges of Covid-19 and school closures.

"The most impressive aspect of the Ofsted report is that it absolutely acknowledges and celebrates how special our children are, how much they love learning, feel safe and how well they do," said Mrs Moore. "They are truly awesome and ‘all’ have flourished!"

Stephen Haigh, chairman of trustees, said: “This is a quite remarkable achievement and is a very special recognition of the tremendous work that appears to come naturally to everyone involved at our school and trust.

"This report gives high praise to all that takes place here and whilst acknowledging the hard work, skills, dedication and commitment of everyone involved, it is particularly pleasing to note the very complimentary comments about our children.

"We are all tremendously proud of them.”