A PRIMARY school in Witham is celebrating after receiving an overall ‘good’ rating in its latest Ofsted report.

Howbridge Junior School, in Howbridge Road, is part of the Diocese of Chelmsford Vine Schools Trust.

Following the school’s inspection in September 2023, the Ofsted report says: “Adults encourage pupils to work hard and have high aspirations.

“Pupils feel proud of their work and enjoy their learning.”

The report highlights the school’s strengths, including a love of reading that has “enabled pupils to deepen their knowledge of the curriculum”.

The school's personal development programme is said to help grow pupils’ understanding of diversity and financial education.

The report also outlines the school’s support of pupils who have special educational needs or disabilities.

It says: “The school has effective processes in place to support the identification of any pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). 

“Pupils with SEND learn the same curriculum as their classmates, sometimes with adapted tasks or additional adult support.

“This typically works well in lessons. However, support is inconsistent when pupils have one-to-one support.

“While some staff have had training in supporting pupils with more complex behaviour needs, others have not.”

Becky More, trust executive lead at the school, said: “This achievement is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our dedicated teaching staff, support staff, governors, trust, parents and most importantly our children. 

“Whilst we want to celebrate the successes outlined in the report, we also recognise the next steps the school needs to make to ensure the journey of improvement continues.

“As a school, we remain committed to providing an excellent education for every child at Howbridge.” 

Emma Wigmore, chief executive of the Vine Schools Trust said, “We are so pleased that Howbridge Church of England Junior School have achieved this fantastic outcome.  

“This school has been rated requires improvement since 2017, which means it has been on a long journey of growth and improvement.  

“A huge congratulations to the staff and children who clearly demonstrated what a wonderful school and community Howbridge is.”