Head's '˜outstanding' ambitions after Ofsted success

A delighted headteacher has praised the dedication of staff and pupils after her school shook off its '˜inadequate' rating.
DM1611004a.jpg Billingshurst Primary's ofsted rating has jumped from inadequate to good. Photo by Derek Martin. SUS-160118-212648008DM1611004a.jpg Billingshurst Primary's ofsted rating has jumped from inadequate to good. Photo by Derek Martin. SUS-160118-212648008
DM1611004a.jpg Billingshurst Primary's ofsted rating has jumped from inadequate to good. Photo by Derek Martin. SUS-160118-212648008

Billingshurst Primary underwent a two-day inspection in December by a four-strong team, who increased the school’s rating to ‘good’ – the second highest given by Ofsted.

Headteacher Helen Williamson broke the good news to staff and pupils last week.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She said: “This report is a significant step in realising the vision we hold for our school. When Ofsted judged the school to be inadequate in 2013 I made the commitment to our school community that we would achieve a judgement of good and that anything less would not be acceptable.”

DM1611004a.jpg Billingshurst Primary's ofsted rating has jumped from inadequate to good. Photo by Derek Martin. SUS-160118-212648008DM1611004a.jpg Billingshurst Primary's ofsted rating has jumped from inadequate to good. Photo by Derek Martin. SUS-160118-212648008
DM1611004a.jpg Billingshurst Primary's ofsted rating has jumped from inadequate to good. Photo by Derek Martin. SUS-160118-212648008

Her commitment certainly paid off, with Ofsted’s report stating: “School leaders have made significant improvements in all areas of the school’s work, including in the quality of teaching. As a result, pupils in all years are making rapid progress in their learning.”

One area which had been highlighted as having ‘serious weaknesses’ in 2013 was maths, with standards described as being “well below national expectations”.

Following the latest inspection, however, all pupils were reported to be doing “particularly well” in the subject.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Another criticism which had been swiftly dealt with was teachers’ expectations of the children.

The latest report stated: “Teachers insist pupils behave well and work hard. They have high expectations of their classes, particularly of the quality of pupils’ presentation of their written work.”

It only took staff and pupils 20 months to turn their school around, while also implementing what Miss Williamson called “a sustainable and long-term plan” to keep standards high.

She added: “I am delighted that the incredible hard work and dedication of staff and pupils has been acknowledged by Ofsted, which will drive us on to further improvement.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“At times it has proved challenging, but the children remain at the heart of our vision and decision-making. We continue to be extremely proud of them.

“It must also be said that this extraordinary achievement would not be possible without the dedication and sheer hard work of each and every member of staff at the school; the whole team at BPS has shared my commitment to making this school great and I am so proud of this incredible team. Next inspection: outstanding!”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be among the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make our website your homepage at www.wscountytimes.co.uk

3 Follow us on Twitter @wscountytimes

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out!

The County Times – always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.