Western Primary School Remains Outstanding Following Latest Ofsted Inspection
Posted 26th April 2024
In 2018, Ofsted reported that Western Primary School in Harrogate was ‘Outstanding’. A follow up Section 8 inspection* in March 2024, has confirmed that Western Primary School continues to be ‘Outstanding’, stating that, “Pupils are extremely proud to attend this happy and vibrant school. Pupils flourish here”. 
“Pupils are extremely proud to attend this happy and vibrant school. Pupils flourish here”.
Ofsted has praised the school for its “rich and inclusive curriculum” reporting that “Staff implement the curriculum extremely well. Pupils have many opportunities to revisit and build on their prior learning. This means that pupils learn deeply the most important knowledge they need. The school’s use of questioning and technology in lessons is highly effective”.
Ofsted also commended the SEND provision at Western Primary, commenting that “The school provides highly effective, targeted support to pupils who need it.” Adding that, “Staff understand pupils’ individual needs. Staff adapt lesson activities effectively to support pupils. Pupils with SEND access the same curriculum as their peers” and that, “The school ensures that all pupils achieve well.”
The report highlights that “Pupils have very positive attitudes to learning,” noting that, “Children in the early years display a love for learning. Children are highly motivated.” It also recognises that “The school promotes a love of reading. Libraries and book areas around school are full of high-quality texts for pupils to enjoy. Pupils talk with excitement about the wide range of books they read.”
The report recognises that “The school works relentlessly to support pupils’ well-being”, that “The provision for pupils’ personal development is exceptional” and that, “Pupils understand the importance of equality. They respect lifestyles that are different to their own”.
Ofsted also found that parents and carers “speak overwhelmingly positively about the school. They value the focus leaders place on pupils’ personal as well as academic development. One parent said, ‘Staff want the best for our children and do all they can to deliver that.’ This is a view echoed by many parents.”
Consulting with the school’s staff members, Ofsted found that the team at Western Primary School “appreciate the professional development they receive” and that, “The school is considerate of staff’s well-being and workload. Staff feel valued and enjoy working at the school.”
Headteacher at Western Primary School, Mr Tim Broad comments, “I am delighted with the outcome of our recent inspection, which validates not only the tremendous, day-to-day work of our wonderful staff team, but also the remarkable nature of the entire Western community which works together tirelessly in the best interests of all our pupils. I am very proud to lead such an exceptional group of staff and pupils and would like to extend my gratitude and admiration to everyone associated with our school for the contribution they have made, and continue to make, to the success story that is Western Primary School.”
Western Primary School, along with Oatlands Junior School and Harrogate Grammar School, was a founding school in the newly formed, Red Kite Learning Trust, in 2015. This has grown into a multi-academy trust of 14 schools across North and West Yorkshire. Mr Broad adds, “I would also like to recognise the value of belonging to Red Kite Learning Trust, working collaboratively with all the schools in our Trust to promote the very best outcomes for all their children and young people.”
Director of Primary Education for Red Kite Learning Trust, Amanda Thornton Jones says, “The school community is immensely proud of this recognition which underscores its commitment to providing a nurturing environment where pupils thrive. Pupils feel safe, thoroughly enjoy school and are encouraged to pursue their aspirations. Western Primary is a school where pupils are encouraged to dream big and fly high.”
Referring to the leadership and governance of the school, the report states, “Trustees and governors provide highly effective support and challenge to the school. Leaders at all levels ensure the impact on pupils is at the forefront of every school decision. The determination for all pupils to be successful is a priority shared by all.”
You can read the full ofsted report for Western Primary School here.
