Following an inspection in June, Orton CofE School received its full OFSTED report just before the start of the new school year. The inspectors judged that the school “continues to be a Good school.”

“I was delighted to start the new academic year with the great news of a Good outcome,” said Mrs Emma Pomfret, head teacher. “We’d had immediate feedback from the inspectors back in June that was encouraging but we were only able to share the outcome and full report with parents, staff and governors last week. It made an encouraging start to the new term.”

The report begins by stating that the school’s Vision, “A happy place to learn, grow and thrive”, rings true. The inspectors go on to talk about the ambition in the school, its warmth and community and the individual support available to children.

“The inspectors seemed to understand the essence of our school and its community,” said Chair of Governors, Richard Petty. “And it was really encouraging that the areas for improvement that they identified were already in our school development plan as areas identified by the staff and governors for improvement.”

Particular strengths of Orton CE School in the report included a broad and engaging curriculum, the high profile given to reading, good behaviour throughout the school day, the importance of raising pupils’ awareness of diversity in society and the quick and effective identification of pupils with special educational needs.

“The report is a real testament to the work by all our staff in the five years since our last inspection,” concluded Mrs Pomfret. “None of us could have predicted what those five years might entail but staff, parents and governors have worked together throughout and it is brilliant that OFSTED inspectors have recognised the fruits of that work in the behaviour, progress and achievements of our pupils.”