The headteacher of a school in Wisbech has spoken of her dedication to give students the best education possible, following the school’s Ofsted report.

Orchards CofE Primary School was given an overall rating of requires improvement but was rated good in four out of five areas inspected. The school was described by inspectors as a ‘harmonious community’ where pupils feel happy and where leaders have put in place a high-quality curriculum that builds up pupils’ knowledge and skills over time. 

Orchards CofE was rated good in the areas of behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.

As part of the report, the school’s quality of education was rated as requiring improvement and staff at the school are already working to ensure that pupils are in receipt of a high-quality curriculum.

Headteacher Sarah Cullen said: “While of course it’s disappointing to have an overall rating of requires improvement, it’s also important to highlight that the school is rated good in four out of five individual areas. The report highlights so many positives – from work done to improve the curriculum, the love of reading shared by all pupils and their happiness and wellbeing within the school. The report also makes it clear that staff are dedicated to improving areas that require attention.

“We take on board all feedback and I am confident that both myself, leaders at the Diocese of Ely Multi-Academy Trust and my wider team of staff have the skills, passion and dedication to continue to build on the very good learning environment we are now creating at Orchards Primary School.”

The report highlighted various areas for praise, including the development of children with high self-esteem, students’ access to trips and experiences away from the classroom and a love of reading which is being developed throughout the school. 

It was noted that children learn in a calm classroom environment and that ‘in the EYFS (early years foundation stage) children experience a sense of awe and wonder.’

Inspectors also found that leaders identify the needs of those with special educational needs (SEND) well and that the school is ‘well led and managed.’

Additionally, the school was praised for its effective safeguarding and its flourishing links to the community, including the growth of engagement with parents and carers.