An ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating was given to a Darlington Primary School following an inspection last month.

Previously rated as ‘Good’ at its last inspection in 2018, the school appears to have improved significantly since then.

The school, which is part of the Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Learning Trust’s group of 11 schools, received the judgment of ‘Outstanding’ based on of its “quality of education,” “behaviour and attitudes,” “personal development” and “leadership and management.”

The Church of England primary school was praised for its “inclusive and ambitious curriculum,” and the report commended students for their “community and charity work, visiting the local home for the elderly to sing Christmas carols and taking part in debates with local MPs.”

The Northern Echo: Staff and pupils from St John's Church of England Academy in DarlingtonStaff and pupils from St John's Church of England Academy in Darlington (Image: Dioceses of Newcastle and Durham)

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The report also read: “Pupils flourish at this school and are proud to be part of it. Staff create an atmosphere in the school which is calm and productive. They have high expectations of all pupils and as a result, pupils achieve extremely well.”

The report commended staff working well together to achieve the best outcomes for pupils and noted that they are effectively supported by the Trust and by local academy councillors who “have a clear understanding of the community the school serves”, noting “there is a strong culture of mutual respect and teamwork among those with responsibility for running the school.”

Marco Ramsay, Headteacher of St John’s Church of England Academy, said: “The staff and children are thrilled with the outcome of the recent inspection. We are passionate about making a difference to disadvantaged children and their families, so to have this recognised by Ofsted is heart-warming.

“We are so proud about the comments in the report about our children – who were described as ‘very respectful of each other and adults, demonstrating impeccable manners’. We could not be prouder of them.”

Canon Paul Rickeard, Diocesan Director of Education and CEO of the Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Learning Trust, said: “We are immensely proud of St John’s Academy – yet another example of the outstanding efforts being made in Church of England schools across the North East.

“This report is another testament to the high quality of education we can offer those seeking new schools in September.”

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