Children's services
St Joseph’s School rated ‘outstanding’ as provisional results show 89.3% (above national average) of Walsall Schools now rated ‘good’ or ‘better’
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St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Darlaston has been rated ‘outstanding’ following an Ofsted inspection in April this year - after four years of being rated as ‘requiring improvement’.
The news comes as the percentage of schools in the borough rated ‘good’ or ‘better’ is provisionally* at 89.3% which is above the national average, currently 88.5%.
“ I am very pleased with the news that Walsall Schools have shown improvement over the last five years. Thank you to all of the heads, staff, pupils and parents for making this happen and for their continued hard work and dedication. For St Joseph’s school to jump from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘outstanding’ shows great leadership and hard work. I hope to see a continued improvement in schools in the borough, improving outcomes and opportunities for our children “
“ It’s great to be able to share this amazing news. For the first time in over 10 years our schools are now above the national average figures for ‘good’ or ‘better’ Ofsted outcomes, indicating a positive pathway to success. Our Education and Skills officers have been working in partnership with our schools to help support this improvement along the way. Thanks to everyone involved in making this happen and we look forward to maintaining and building upon this excellent news. It’s been good to meet the staff and pupils at St Joseph’s that have been part of this positive outcome. “
Sally Rowe, visited the school this week to talk about the journey to ‘outstanding’ with the Head Teacher Kathleen Hinton and Deputy Head, Nicky Hannett as the school continues to celebrate its success with a disco for pupils organised for later on this week.
“ We are absolutely thrilled - it is exceptional news. We feel immense pride and delight that we have been graded outstanding. “
Year 5 pupils in lesson
Vending machine where children can choose a book as a reward
Reception classroom where Sally and Kathleen take a look at the children's work
garden seating area at St Joseph's
Children reading in Reception outdoor reading area
Beautiful garden area at St Joseph's
Sally and Kathleen look at Pupil's work
The school, founded in 1964, was rated ‘outstanding’ across all areas of the inspection criteria - the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years’ provision.
The published Ofsted report states that St Joseph’s School is ‘exceptional’ and highlights that, “Leaders make sure that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) get the help and support they need to be successful in school.” and that they “…provide an exceptional personal development offer for all pupils. The report also states that “Parents are positive about the high standard of education their children receive.”
-ENDS-
St Joseph’s Ofsted report available on their website.
*awaiting publication of final results
