Orchard Grove Primary School rated ‘strong’ across the board in first Ofsted inspection
The school, which only opened in 2023 at the heart of the Orchard Grove community, has been judged to be working at a ‘strong standard’ in every category in its first ever Ofsted inspection.
Inspectors rated the school strong across all seven areas assessed: achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years provision, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing.
A school at the heart of a growing community
The report highlights the school’s close connection with the neighbourhood around it. Inspectors wrote: “At Orchard Grove, pupils experience the excitement of a new school that sits at the heart of an emerging community. Pupils play an active role in shaping the values and culture of both the school and the wider area.”
They also noted that the school regularly hosts local events, bringing together pupils, families and community groups, which “inspires pupils to take pride in their locality and recognise the difference they can make within it.”
The school’s values of every pupil belonging, participating and achieving were found to be “fully lived out”, with pupils showing “wonderful attitudes to their education” and behaving to a very high standard.
Pupils who love to learn
The school had 64 pupils at the time of inspection, and inspectors found they achieve well, with very high results in phonics. Children who join partway through the school year are well supported to catch up, with teachers providing “tailored, high-quality support” in English and maths.
Attendance was another highlight. Inspectors observed that “Pupils attend well because they do not want to miss out on their exciting learning. They feel safe in school and bullying is rare.”
The curriculum was described as “ambitious and carefully ordered”, with rigorous teaching of reading, writing and maths. Inspectors also found that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities consistently have their needs well met.
Proud staff and strong leadership
Orchard Grove is part of the Blackdown Education Partnership (BEP), and inspectors were impressed by its leadership. Staff were found to feel “incredibly proud to work at the school” and well supported with their workload and wellbeing, while remaining modest about their own part in its success and ambitious for its future as it continues to grow.
The school responds
Richard Healey, headteacher, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the strength of our recent Ofsted report, which reflects the dedication, commitment and hard work of our entire school community.
“This achievement belongs to our pupils, who inspire us every day with their enthusiasm and determination, our talented and hardworking staff, the Blackdown Education Partnership and our governors who support us, and our wonderful families who work in partnership with us.”
He added: “We are proud that the report recognises the high-quality education, care and opportunities we provide, but most importantly, it celebrates the values and sense of belonging that make Orchard Grove such a special place.
“This outcome is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared ambition for every child to flourish, succeed and reach their full potential.”
Looking ahead, he said: “This is only just the beginning and we cannot wait to watch this school and its community continue to thrive for years and decades to come.”
To find out more about Orchard Grove Primary School, visit orchardgrove.bep.ac.
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