Yahoo News School where pupils 'achieve exceptionally well' rated Outstanding in first inspection as academy
Staff and pupils at a Peterborough school are celebrating after receiving a glowing report from Ofsted inspectors. Fulbridge Academy, on Keeton Road, was rated 'Outstanding' in all five key areas.
The school is part of the Four C's multi-academy trust and was inspected for the first time since it converted to an academy in 2013. It caters for more than 900 students aged between three and 11.
Inspectors visited the school in March 2024 and praised teachers for their 'strong subject knowledge'. They also highlighted the school's curriculum and the 'outstanding education' it offers pupils.
Read more: Cambridgeshire school where pupils 'flourish' rated 'outstanding' in first Ofsted inspection
The report, published on May 7, 2024. said: "Pupils love their school and are profoundly happy. They value the outstanding education they receive. Pupils achieve exceptionally well. Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary, they attend regularly and care for each other.
"Ambition permeates the school’s broad curriculum. Teachers have strong subject knowledge. They introduce knowledge in small stages. Teachers consistently check for gaps in pupils’ knowledge and that pupils understand. Pupils practise what they have learned before. This helps them remember knowledge well and express sophisticated ideas."
Praise was also given for how the school caters for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with leaders adopting innovative approaches to ensure the support is precise and effective. Pupils' knowledge of religions and cultures was also noted, with inspectors highlighting "a highly inclusive ethos in this diverse community".
Ben Erskine, Executive Principal of Fulbridge Academy, said: "An achievement like this is not something that happens overnight. This amazing achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire school community – from our exceptional children to our committed staff and supportive parents.
"I would like to thank the wonderful staff team. Their dedication to create a supportive and engaging yet challenging learning environment where high quality provision is delivered day in day out.
"They have been critical in shaping the positive outcomes observed during the inspection. I know that staff, governors and the Four Cs MAT have and will continue to work tirelessly to implement and provide the best quality education, opportunities and experiences for children at Fulbridge Academy."
Mr. Erskine added that there were several quotes during the inspection that will stay with him forever. He also said that the academy was committed to improving further and doing the best for their community.
He said: "We are so pleased that Ofsted have recognised the commitment and hard work that so many staff, governors, the Trust and community have played a part in. However, Fulbridge Academy's focus is always what is best for the children and the community, not only during the inspection but throughout our continuing journey to achieve the best we can for the children in our care.
"We will endeavour to improve our Academy further and continue to do the best for the community we serve. We received many wonderful comments from the inspectors over the course of the inspection, but there are a couple of quotes that will stay with me forever.
"The HMI said in the feedback to leaders, that there is no ceiling to ambition here and that you make learning happen because you teach it so well. And to top it off, a child said to an inspector, ‘At Fulbridge we don’t let religions stop friendships.’ This made me incredibly proud to have led and be part of the Fulbridge success."
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