Staff and students at a primary school are celebrating after Ofsted inspectors handed them an "outstanding" rating and praised the standard of education there.
Morpeth Road Academy, in Blyth, Northumberland, was told it was "good" following its previous full inspection in March 2015. However, inspectors gave it a higher rating of "outstanding" after their latest visit.
The school was given a thumbs-up in all main areas including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, as well as early years provision.
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The report said: "Pupils blossom in their learning at this friendly school. Staff strive relentlessly to find ways to improve pupils’ lives, including through the delivery of the very carefully planned curriculum. This enthusiasm is infectious and shared by the pupils who always want to do their best.
"Pupils achieve well and produce work of a high quality in different subjects. They thrive with the high level of support given in this school where everyone is made to feel welcome."
Ofsted also said the behaviour of the children was "excellent" and the youngsters were "courteous and polite". "Bullying is very rare and is dealt with effectively if it happens," the report added.
In addition, there was praise for the leadership team and the way the curriculum was shaped to helped teach a range of subjects, with children in early years getting off "to a flying start". Inspectors noted: "Leaders ensure that staff teach early reading consistently well.
"The phonics programme is tightly structured. Children gain pre-reading knowledge and skills from the moment they enter the two-year-old provision.
"There is an impressive personal development programme. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural education are woven into pupils’ learning. By Year 6, pupils have an excellent understanding of equality and fundamental British values."
Morpeth Road became part of the WISE Academy Trust in 2018. It currently has around 360 students, aged from two to 11.
Deb Ward, executive headteacher, said: "The Ofsted inspection process was such a wonderfully positive experience for all at Morpeth Road. The school staff, parents and community have worked incredibly hard together to ensure the school has the best possible outcomes.
"The enthusiasm and hard work displayed by all staff was incredible and I am so proud of the dedication and commitment from everyone involved. The outstanding grade has been immensely empowering for staff, showing recognition for their passion and devotion to the children and families we serve."
And Zoe Carr, CEO of WISE Academies, added: "I am immensely proud of this achievement. To be judged outstanding in all areas in the current Ofsted framework is incredibly difficult. To achieve this grade after navigating through the Covid pandemic is even more incredible.
"All credit to the leaders, governors, staff and parents who have worked together to ensure that the pupils of Morpeth Road Academy are receiving a first-class education. This achievement will further strengthen the whole of our Trust. We now know what it takes to be judged outstanding and will enjoy sharing the expertise that exists at Morpeth Road Academy to move all of our schools forward."
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