St Benet’s MAT News

Garboldisham Church of England Primary Academy will be celebrating this Christmas as it has received a glowing ‘Good’ Ofsted report where four out of five categories of the tough Ofsted inspection received ‘Outstanding’.  The inspection was carried out on 7^th and 8^th November 2023.

Previously the primary school was graded as ‘Inadequate,’ however it has undergone an impressive turnaround since joining St Benet’s Multi Academy Trust in 2020.  Subsequently it federated with Dickleburgh Church of England Primary Academy in September 2021, creating the Beacon Federation.

Moira Croskell, Executive Headteacher of the Beacon Federation, said: “I am delighted that the inspectors were able to clearly see what a supportive and inclusive learning environment we have developed for our pupils and just how much they thrive at Garboldisham. This is a huge improvement for the school to have achieved in such a short period of time. I need to say a huge thank you to the staff and pupils for all of their hard work to create a school of which we are all so proud. We have an unwavering commitment to the highest quality of education, care and opportunity for every child at Garboldisham and the inspectors could evidently see this throughout the two days. I would also like to thank the parents for continuing to support us to bring about the changes and improvements at the school.”

The categories which received an ‘Outstanding’ judgement included pupils’ behaviour and attitudes, personal development, early years provision and leadership & management

Richard Cranmer, CEO of St Benet’s Multi Academy Trust, commented: “Garboldisham Primary School joined St Benet’s in 2020 having been graded ‘Inadequate’ by Ofsted in September 2021, Garboldisham federated with Dickleburgh Church of England Primary Academy, also part of St Benet’s MAT, to create the Beacon Federation. This recent report is the result of a carefully planned strategy to ensure that every child at the school is able to thrive on their educational journey. To have been judged Outstanding in four out of the five key areas in this relatively short period of time is a huge achievement for any school.  My thanks go to everyone working at the school and in the St Benet’s central team who should feel extremely proud!”

The report highlighted that since Garboldisham Church of England Primary joined the Beacon Federation:

School leaders have reviewed the school curriculum extensively. They prioritised early reading and mathematics, which are taught exceptionally well and leaders are ambitious for all pupils and they want pupils to love learning and make connections across subjects through a range of carefully considered themes.

The school has access to a range of specialist professionals that help them identify pupils’ needs early on and leaders ensure that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) have their needs met well.

Reading is a strength in the school and pupils delight in attending the lunchtime reading club and talk in detail about the social and cultural issues in the books they have read.

The report noted that children in Reception get off to an excellent start and they have access to a wide range of learning experiences that help their all-round development.

Adults harness children’s interests and use these to provide a context for them to practise what they have been taught. This quickly helps children learn and remember more. Children are supported exceptionally well to develop their language skills and vocabulary. Adults expertly help children develop resilience and perseverance. Children are helped to develop stamina and proficiency in their physical development as they take part in morning exercise. Children apply their phonics knowledge to practise writing with confidence.

The report noted that children have positive attitudes to learning and cooperate well with each other and they are well prepared for the next stage in the school’s curriculum.

The way leaders support pupils’ personal development is exceptional. Pupils are kind, caring and know right from wrong. They support charities and contribute to life in the community. As part of the Beacon Federation, pupils have an extensive range of high-quality experiences that broaden their horizons. Pupils’ interests and talents are extended through after-school club, visits, sports and performing arts activities.

Pupils feel confident they are well prepared for secondary school. Leaders’ ambition for all pupils and staff permeates the school. Staff speak highly of the extensive professional development opportunities that advance their subject expertise and Trust leaders make informed strategic decisions in the best interest.