A “significant journey of improvement” is being celebrated by two North Yorkshire primary schools after a huge leap in their Ofsted ratings.
Staff and pupils at East Ayton Primary School in Scarborough and Stillington Community Primary School, near Easingwold, are celebrating after their most recent Ofsted grading saw both schools go from requires improvement to good.
Inspectors visited both schools earlier this year and were impressed with the improved curriculum, the positive behaviour of the pupils and the leaders’ determination to provide the highest quality of education to ensure every child thrives.
Described by inspectors as a place of “high aspiration and celebration”, East Ayton Community Primary School was last inspected in November 2021 when it was graded requires improvement. It has changed considerably for the better over the past six years.
In its latest inspection, inspectors praised the positive behaviour of pupils and their relationship with leaders describing the educational establishment “at the heart of the community”.
Meanwhile, inspectors praised Stillington Community Primary for being ambitious in what the children can achieve with learning to read a priority.
The school’s executive headteacher, Sarah Moore, paid tribute to the hard work of everyone involved in developing and improving the village school.
She said: “I am absolutely delighted by the outcome of our recent Ofsted report which recognised the hard work and dedication of our whole federation team to secure good in all areas.
“Our school’s improvement journey is something I am so proud to have been part of. A huge thank you must go to our amazing parents, children and the wider Stillington community who have been unwavering in their support.
“As a federation we are passionate about small rural schools and sustaining their future through proven effective collaborative working.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by the school’s chair of governors, Corinne Cross. She said: “Our school has been on the most amazing improvement journey. Through the collaboration and subsequent federation with Foston and Terrington Church of England Primary Schools and support from North Yorkshire Council, we have realised our vision of working together to secure a sustainable future for our small rural schools and their communities, against all the odds.”
Meanwhile, Lisa Nellist, who become the headteacher of East Ayton Primary School two years ago, said: “I would like to offer my sincere thanks to our pupils, families, staff, governors and North Yorkshire Council for their unwavering commitment and determination in supporting the school in moving forwards.
“The Ofsted report is undoubtedly positive and we are extremely proud of our achievements. Our commitment is to provide the highest quality of education, care and an opportunity for each child at our school to achieve their personal goals and make dreams come true.
“We will continue to grow and develop further as a school and have the highest expectations and ambition for everyone at East Ayton.”
North Yorkshire Council’s assistant director for education and skills, Amanda Newbold, praised the work that had been undertaken to take major strides in improving the education of pupils at both schools.
She said: “The improved Ofsted results of both schools demonstrate the great progress made by partnership working and the commitment we all have to securing a high standard of education for our children and young people in North Yorkshire.
“Well done and congratulations to both schools.”