A small County Durham primary school with “big ambitions” is celebrating a glowing Ofsted report highlighting major improvements since its last inspection five years ago.

New Brancpeth Primary Academy has been rated as ‘outstanding’ in leadership and management, as well as ‘good’ in all other areas.

In the school’s previous inspection report, in 2019, it was described as “requiring improvement” but the improvements follow it becoming an academy as part of the Advance Learning Partnership.

Head of School, Charlotte Robson, said: “I am incredibly proud of the children, staff and wider community we serve.  Our report reflects our excellent educational offer to all children from ages two to 11 and the commitment from everyone involved to ensure that moving forwards, this is sustained and enhanced.”

The school is now rated as ‘good’ for the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision.

The report states: “This is a small, nurturing school with big ambitions. There is a strong sense of belonging shared by pupils and staff. The school is committed to broadening pupils’ life experiences and to raising aspirations.”

School leaders are praised for taking “highly effective” action to continually improve the quality of education, with leadership within the school described in the report as “exceptional and effectively supported by the trust”.

The report highlights recent improvements in the curriculum, which is enriched by frequent visits, including outdoor education residential experiences and historical sites, as well as visitors coming into the school.

Each child has a ‘pupil passport’ to record their experiences, which “build pupils’ knowledge of their area alongside a deeper understanding of the wider world”.

The report notes that the school has benefited from the “expert support” of the trust, with pupils achieving well, and feeling safe and happy in a calm and purposeful environment.

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The school provides a varied offer of extra-curricular clubs, such as archery and craft, with pupils enjoying many special roles and responsibilities such as serving as librarians and house captains.

“This develops their leadership skills and self-confidence,” the report adds.

An open event for prospective parents is being held at the school on Wednesday December 4 from 9.30am to 11.30am.  Visits for another time can also be arranged by emailing the school at contact@newbrancepethprimary.org.uk or calling 0191 3730736.