A seaside primary school has been praised for improving beyond recognition after securing turnaround results in its latest Ofsted inspection.
Phoenix St Peter Academy, in Enstone Road, Lowestoft, was visited by the watchdog on November 12 and 13 and was rated good in four key areas, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes and personal development.
Its leadership and management scored outstanding.
Phoenix St Peter Academy, in Lowestosft, has been praised for improving beyond recognition. Pictures: Submitted
The latest report marks a significant improvement from previous inspections in 2022 and 2018 where the school was rated as requires improvement.
Headteacher Matthew Jordan said he was thrilled with the results and the remarkable progress the school has made since the previous visit.
He added: “We are incredibly proud of all our children and the pride that they show in our school, which is a highlight of the report.
Headteacher Matthew Jordan
“Our staff team have worked incredibly hard and the report states that our school has been changed beyond all recognition due to outstanding leadership at all levels.
“This transformation includes an ambitious curriculum for all children which enables them to do well.”
The report praised the staff for being highly skilled and for continuously reviewing their work, which in turn, helped the school achieve rapid improvements in all areas.
The school was previously rated as requires improvement
This follows a period of staff turbulence, with included changes in senior leadership and class teachers, leading to a dip in standards.
Among the areas where the school has improved is the development of an ambitious curriculum – something the previous report described as underdeveloped.
All subjects are planned carefully and their is a clear guidance about what pupils learn and in what order.
The report praised the school for its ambitious curriculum
Staff’s knowledge of the curriculum has helped the students to remember what they have been taught and recall knowledge readily.
For example, pupils in Years 5 and 6 understand the effects of air resistance, building on previous learning about forces.
Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), learn well across subjects.
This is enhanced by visits outside of school such as trips to historic buildings at the nearby seafront.
However, the report also highlighted that a small number of pupils with SEND do not have activities adapted well enough to match their needs – something the school is working to improve.
The curriculum was matched by the priority given to improving attendance and having a low suspension record.
It said: “The school promote positive working relationships with families to remove barriers that stop pupils from coming to school.”
Inspectors noted that students feel welcome and kindness is at the heart of the school.