Outwood Primary Academy Lofthouse Gate Praised By Ofsted

A primary academy in Wakefield has been praised by Ofsted following a recent inspection, with there being ‘enough evidence’ to suggest the academy may soon be officially judged as Outstanding.

Outwood Primary Academy Lofthouse Gate, based on Canal Lane in Lofthouse, is continuing to be a Good school according to Ofsted.

However inspectors noted that there was ‘enough evidence of improved performance to suggest that the school could be judged Outstanding’ if the education regulator were to return for a full section 5 inspection now.

Lynsey Hadfield, Principal at Outwood Primary Academy Lofthouse Gate, said:

“We are proud that Ofsted has recognised the fantastic improvements that have been made at Outwood Primary Academy Lofthouse Gate.

“At Outwood, we believe in putting children first, and the staff have worked tirelessly for this aim. The children have responded exceptionally well to this and have shown a great work ethic and determination to fulfil their potential, both academically and beyond the classroom.”

In its report following the inspection, which took place in February 2020, Ofsted praised the academy, and it’s sponsor Outwood Grange Academies Trust, for its ‘ambitious curriculum’ and for setting ‘high standards for the achievement of pupils in all subjects.’ It was noted that these standards often exceeded the requirements of the national curriculum.

The education watchdog was also enthusiastic in its praise of the children who attend the academy, with the report highlighting that the children ‘are proud to belong’ to the academy.

Behaviour was also noted to be ‘exemplary’ with the children being ‘polite and courteous’ both in lessons and around the academy.

Ms Hadfield added:

“The staff across our academy have worked hard to implement our processes and we are seeing the rewards of this with improved standards and progress.

“We have worked hard to improve and embark on a journey to becoming an Outstanding academy and we believe we are close to fulfilling that aim.”

The progress of children’s reading and maths skills was also highlighted within Ofsted’s report. Reading was noted to be a ‘high-priority’ across the academy, which has helped develop a love of reading throughout the academy. While children were shown to have developed a thorough understanding of maths, going on to reach a high standing in the subject.