Guyhirn C of E VC Primary School in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, was rated as a “good” school overall – with three areas marked “outstanding”.

And today headteacher Karen Milnthorpe said she was over the moon with staff and pupils who she described as “shining stars”.

“This is a school that had a history of instability and inconsistency, and we have worked extremely hard to raise standards, support our pupils and their families and create a nurturing and warm environment for children to flourish personally and academically,” she said.

“Ofsted say we are ‘good’ but we are better than good. We are shining stars.”

Guyhirn C of E VC Primary School, which has 14 staff and 86 pupils, joined the Diocese of Ely Multi-Academy Trust in 2017 and since then work has been done to enhance the educational provision, improve leadership and develop the school motto of, ‘to live, to learn, to love, together’.

It has been rewarded for its hard work by Ofsted which singled out its kindness, positive attitude, carefully sequenced curriculum, staff who are excellent role models and pupils who demonstrate maturity and respect.

“They are polite and friendly towards each other,” the report explained. “They develop confidence by following the guidance which teachers give them. Lessons are never disrupted by poor behaviour, so pupils can concentrate without interruption.

“This a school where everyone is included. Leaders make sure that pupils feel valued and cared for. They are passionate about helping pupils to become well-rounded, empathetic citizens.”



Ms Milnthorpe said: “The feedback from the Ofsted inspector was essentially that we should carry on doing what we are doing. 

“We are exceptionally proud of the work we have done to date and to have three out of the five areas deemed outstanding is testament to how hard we have worked. I put it down to focus, fun and a fantastic team.”

Behaviour and attitudes, personal development and early years provision were all ranked outstanding while quality of education and leadership and management were good.