A Warrington primary school is celebrating an outstanding inspection report after Ofsted inspectors praised its approach to inclusion, leadership and governance as “exceptional”.
Staff and pupils at Alderman Bolton Primary Academy are celebrating after receiving a glowing report from Ofsted, which recognised the school’s high standards and commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.
The report, published this week, awarded the school two ‘Exceptional’ judgements and five ‘Strong standard’ judgements across the inspection framework.
Inspectors were particularly impressed by the school’s approach to inclusion, describing it as “crystal-clear and remarkably comprehensive”.
They added: “Leaders and staff at all levels share a steadfast commitment to ensuring that every pupil is welcomed, valued and able to benefit from all aspects of school life.”
Leadership and governance were also judged to be exceptional, with inspectors highlighting the high expectations shared throughout the school and its determination to help every child achieve their potential.
The report said leaders and staff were “laser-focused on the trust’s guiding principle of high expectations for every child” and took immense pride in helping pupils achieve and thrive.
Inspectors also praised pupil achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years provision, and the personal development and wellbeing of children, all of which were judged to be at a strong standard.
The report highlighted how children make progress regardless of their starting points, including those facing additional barriers or with special educational needs and disabilities.
It stated: “Pupils get off to a flying start at this school, regardless of their many different starting points. During the time they spend at Alderman Bolton, pupils overcome any barriers and difficulties that they have, including any special educational needs and/or disabilities. They learn and achieve very well.
“By the time they move on to secondary school, pupils have grown into responsible young citizens. They are more than ready to face the next challenge, whether academic, social or emotional.”
Under Ofsted’s current grading framework, ‘Strong standard’ recognises excellent and consistent work that makes a real difference to children and learners.
The ‘Exceptional’ judgement is reserved for schools where practice is among the very best nationally and provides an example of good practice that should be shared with other schools and providers.
Sarah Morris, headteacher of Alderman Bolton Primary Academy, said the school was delighted with the findings.
She said: “We are delighted with this inspection report, which recognises the school’s exceptional strengths.
“Alderman Bolton Primary Academy achieved two Exceptional judgements and five Strong standard judgements, a truly fantastic outcome.
“We are proud of the Exceptional judgement for leadership and governance, which highlights the high expectations, effective decision-making and ambition that drive continuous improvement for all our children.”
Mrs Morris added that the report recognised much more than academic achievement.
She said: “This report celebrates more than academic success. It recognises children who are kind, resilient and ready for what comes next. I’m especially proud that our pupils leave us more than ready to face the next challenge.
“I’m immensely proud of our staff, pupils and families. The inspectors recognised a school where ‘every pupil is welcomed, valued and able to benefit from all aspects of school life’. That care is at the heart of Alderman Bolton.
“It is a joy to work at such a wonderful school. Our staff take immense pride in helping pupils to achieve and thrive, and every day I see children growing in confidence, discovering what they can do and supporting one another.”
Alderman Bolton Primary Academy is one of nine primary schools within Warrington Primary Academy Trust (WPAT), which is a community of more than 2,600 children aged between two and 11.
Established in 2016, WPAT has developed a national reputation for high standards, providing staff across its schools with support, expertise and professional development to help deliver the best possible education for children.
The full Ofsted report is available at: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/145800
