Wakefield Primary School Rated Outstanding By Ofsted

A Wakefield-based primary school has been rated as ‘Outstanding’ for the first time since converting to an academy in 2012 following a recent Ofsted inspection.

Outwood Primary Academy Ledger Lane, based in Outwood, converted to an academy in December 2012, sponsored by Outwood Grange Academies Trust, following two inspections where the school was deemed to Require Improvement.  At its first inspection as an academy (May 2014), the school was rated as ‘Good’ by the education watchdog.

Following a two-day inspection in April 2019, the school was found to have improved further and is now rated as Outstanding in all five areas the inspectors looked at. 

Rachael Skirrow, Principal at OPA Ledger Lane, said: “We are delighted that Ofsted have agreed with us that we are an Outstanding school. It is a truly fantastic feeling to know that as a team we have created a safe environment where children can develop and achieve academically.

“Our staff have worked tirelessly over the last almost five years since the school’s last inspection to ensure the children are getting the best possible start to their education.”

In the report, Ofsted praised the leadership and ‘strong culture of effort and achievement’ at the school. The inspectors found the leaders at the school to be ‘uncompromising in their determination to continually improve pupils’ outcomes.’

The school’s vision of putting ‘children first, raising standards, transforming lives,’ was identified to be understood by staff, children and parents as well as the wider community. Ofsted praised this vision for contributing ‘significantly to the school’s improvement from good to outstanding.

Behaviour at the school was found to be outstanding by inspectors who praised the ‘very high expectations’ set by teachers and met by pupils at the school. While the links between the school and parents were also noted by inspected as being ‘productive and effective in supporting children’s learning and development.

Lee Wilson, Chief Executive Principal Primary at OGAT, said: “We are thrilled that Outwood Primary Academy Ledger Lane has been rated an Outstanding school, joining Outwood Primary Academy Kirkhamgate as an Outstanding Outwood Grange Academies Trust primary school in Wakefield.

“A huge thank you goes to the staff at the school, whose hard work and dedication have been essential to this great achievement.”