Isle of Ely Primary School, which is part of The Active Learning Trust, has received another ‘Good’ rating following a recent inspection from Ofsted. 

The school was inspected on 7th to 8th March 2023, where inspectors found no change to the school’s overall judgement – a rating it has proudly held since 2017. 

The report celebrated the positive behaviour of pupils, the success of a newly introduced system for identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and the range of opportunities available for pupils to develop their wider learning.

Headteacher, Bryony Surtees, said: “I am delighted that we continue to be rated as a ‘Good’ school. This reflects the fantastic commitment and hard work of the staff, and it also celebrates the success of our children.”

She continued: “The pupils’ enthusiasm and love of learning shone through and clearly impressed the Inspector. Thank you also to our parents, for their continuing support and involvement.”

The report praises pupils’ enjoyment of the curriculum, stating “pupils show they are ready to learn, listening attentively to their teacher and working hard in class”. 

The school’s methods of assessing learning were also identified by the inspector as an area of success. The report highlighted that observation or knowledge, adaptation of teaching methods, and regularly checking comprehension enabled pupils to “learn content securely”.

Reading was another area of focus in the report, with the inspector commenting “reading is at the centre of the school’s curriculum. Leaders ensure that staff have the training and resources to teach phonics to good effect”.

It continued “Pupils willingly spend their lunchtimes in the library, losing themselves in storybooks.”

Effective safeguarding measures at the school were also highlighted in the report, with the inspector observing that “leaders, including governors, oversee safeguarding with drive and determination.”

The report also praised the school’s commitment to providing a diverse range of extra-curricular clubs for pupils. The inspector stated that “pupils strive to help others, taking on roles and responsibilities to help effect change. For instance, the house captains oversee fundraising events to support charities” highlighting how participation in these clubs helps pupils to develop important leadership and interpersonal skills.

Chief Executive Officer at The Active Learning Trust, Lynsey Holzer, said: “We are thrilled that Isle of Ely Primary School has once again been awarded a ‘Good’ grading from Ofsted. This is very well-deserved and is recognition of the hard work and dedication showed by Mrs Surtees and her entire team, who ensured the school offers children a safe, supportive, and fun learning environment. Congratulations to you all!”