CHRISTMAS came early for one Hampshire school after government inspectors rated it “good” for the first time in its history.

After a rigorous inspection at the end of last month the team from Ofsted raised Romsey Primary out of the “requires improvement” category and up to the second best ranking a school can be given.

Inspectors particularly praised the way head teacher Jason Anderson tackled the weaknesses identified from the previous inspection.

The varied curriculum and the achievement of pupils was also praised.

The inspectors found:

  • Pupils are making good progress from their starting points including disabled pupils and those with special needs
  • Pupils are enthusiastic about their learning. These positive attitudes contribute well to their improving achievement
  • Expectation of behaviour is high and pupils respect each other and adults in the school.
  • The governing body plays an important part in supporting and challenging the school’s work

The news has been welcomed by the school leadership who said the rating was a recognition of the hard work by staff and pupils over the past two years.

Head teacher Mr Anderson said: “We are so pleased that the inspection team recognised the significant improvements that have been made by staff over the past two years.

“All children and staff have worked incredibly hard to do this.

“The teamwork in our school is very special and it is a privilege to work where every single person is dedicated to making the school incredible.

“However, we are not complacent, and the inspectors acknowledged our aspiration and ambition to continue to improve.”

Daily Echo:

Head teacher Jason Anderson.

In order to become an outstanding school the inspection team said that the school needed to improve the challenging targets for the more able pupils, ensure there was less variability in the quality of marking and improve the standard of presentation in pupils’ work.

Chairman of Governors Jane Hodgson said: “This is recognition of all the incredibly hard work to improve our school over the past few years from everyone in our school community, including staff, parents, children, governors and the Local Authority.“We are now aiming to be Outstanding!”

The news of the school’s Ofsted success coincided with the school’s Christmas Jumper Day.

Pupils swapped their navy blue uniform tops for bright pullovers bearing robins, snowmen and reindeer.

Every member of staff also sported a seasonal sweater and together they raised more than £100 for Save the Children.

Facts

Type of school: primary
Age range: 3 to 11
Number of pupils on roll: 188
Ofsted rating: good