Colne school makes the grade in Ofsted report

St Michael and All Angels School, in Foulridge, was graded good in all five categories following its latest inspection in December.

The caring ethos and nurturing environment within the school was said to be the “hallmark of its work”, and it was stated that pupils’ positive attitudes and good behaviour make a strong contribution to their learning.

Other praise included the school’s consistently good teaching, strong leadership, good governance, and wide range of learning activities on offer within the curriculum.

Acting headteacher Mrs Jo Roberts said “I am delighted that Ofsted have recognised the hard work and dedication that the governors, staff, pupils and the wider community have contributed to St Michael and All Angels.

“We are extremely proud of our children and we enjoy sharing every aspect of their learning journey.

“The dedicated team of staff will continue to move the school forward with the support of the church community, parents and the governing body.

“The children are happy and excited about learning, which we believe is crucial for them to achieve their full potential.”

To improve, inspectors have said the school now needs to:

l Strengthen leadership and management and accelerate the rate at which the school improves, by developing and sharpening the skills of middle leaders in monitoring and improving the quality of teaching

l Improve teaching and increase the rate at which pupils make progress, particularly that of the most able, by making sure the teachers always do the following:

Challenge pupils, especially the most able, by consistently setting demanding work in lessons; ensure marking and feedback inform pupils of exactly how they can improve their work; ensure pupils are always given time to correct and improve their work by acting on the guidance in their teachers’ marking.