Primary academy praised by Ofsted for 'exemplary' pupils and staff

Staff and pupils at a Wakefield primary academy are celebrating after the school was rated 'Good' for a second time.
Eva Waring, Harry Hunter, Seb Ridgeon and Emma Olbison at Outwood Primary Academy Lofthouse Gate, which continues to be a 'Good' school.Eva Waring, Harry Hunter, Seb Ridgeon and Emma Olbison at Outwood Primary Academy Lofthouse Gate, which continues to be a 'Good' school.
Eva Waring, Harry Hunter, Seb Ridgeon and Emma Olbison at Outwood Primary Academy Lofthouse Gate, which continues to be a 'Good' school.

Visiting Outwood Primary Academy Lofthouse Gate earlier this year, Ofsted inspectors praised the "ambitious curriculum" , and said that there was evidence that, should they return to carry out a full inspection, it could be judged "Outstanding".

Inspectors praised the "exemplary" behaviour of pupils, who they said were proud to be part of the school, had high awareness of bullying and valued the academy's focus on being healthy.

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Lynsey Hadfield, Acting Principal at Outwood Primary Academy Lofthouse Gate, said: “We are proud that Ofsted has recognised the fantastic improvements that have been made at Outwood Primary Academy Lofthouse Gate.

“At Outwood, we believe in putting children first, and the staff have worked tirelessly for this aim. The children have responded exceptionally well to this and have shown a great work ethic and determination to fulfil their potential, both academically and beyond the classroom.”

“The staff across our academy have worked hard to implement our processes and we are seeing the rewards of this with improved standards and progress.

“Since becoming a member of the Outwood Family, we have worked hard to improve and embark on a journey to becoming an Outstanding academy and we believe we are close to fulfilling that aim.”

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Staff at the school were praised for maintaining an ambitious curriculum, which sees pupils achieve "and often exceed" the requirements of the national curriculum.

It was also noted that staff are encouraged to access ongoing, high-quality training, and continued to support all students, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Outwood Primary Academy Lofthouse Gate, on Canal Lane, Lofthouse, became an academy in September 2013, and currently has 461 pupils enrolled.

Following an initial Ofsted inspection in 2016, in which the school was rated 'Good', inspectors returned in February for a section 8 inspection, which is designed to ensure that a school has maintained previous levels of attainment.

If they believe a school has improved, inspectors can recommend that a full inspection be carried out in the coming years.

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