A PRIMARY school in Witham has achieved a good rating by a government watchdog, following an inspection.
Powers Hall Academy, in Spa Road, has received a positive Ofsted report after an inspection was carried out in December.
Overall, the school was rated ‘good’ for its quality of education, behaviour and attitude, personal development, and leadership and management.
The inspectors found that “pupils rise to the school’s high expectations” of being respectful, responsible, safe and ready to learn.
The report said pupils feel “safe”, “happy”, and “proud of their school”.
It also said: “Pupils happily take part in class discussions and have a clear understanding of how to improve their learning.
“Pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) achieve well alongside their peers.
Powers Hall Academy is part of the Inspires MAT Trust and its head teachers are Daniel Sheehan and Maxine Harrington.
The previous inspection in 2019 rated the school as 'requires improvement'.
The school had been criticised by inspectors when it came to concerns about behaviour and how pupils were not given the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice.
However, things have improved at the school according to Ofsted.
The latest report says: “Leaders and trustees have made significant improvements to the curriculum, pupils’ behaviour and attitudes and their personal development since the previous inspection.”
The school has also developed a strong focus on the quality of education since 2019, and “ensures that pupils learn a stimulating and ambitious curriculum."
Ceri Jones, the CEO of Inspires MAT Trust, which looks after, the academy and several others, is delighted with the report.
He said: "I am exceptionally proud of the Powers Hall Academy staff for their determination to improve the school experience for the children.
Since 2022, they have evaluated and improved every aspect of their offer and the recent Ofsted report is testament to that.
"Without doubt, the children at Powers Hall Academy are exceptional and, for the staff, this is just the starting point.
"We will continue to strive to give every child an educational experience like no other."
The head teachers of the Powers Hall Academy, Maxine Harrington and Daniel Sheehan are also thrilled.
They said: "We are delighted with the outcome of the inspection.
"It was recognised that since the previous inspection, the change in the school offer has been transformational.
"We are immensely proud of our whole school community."
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