Holywell Village First School rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in all areas
26 Mar 2025
The County Council has paid tribute to a Northumberland school rated ‘Outstanding’ in all areas in its recent Ofsted report.
Executive Director of Children, Young People and Education at Northumberland County Council, Audrey Kingham, shared “ This is a wonderful achievement for everyone at Holywell and recognises the hard work, commitment and dedication of pupils, staff, leaders and governors. I couldn't be more pleased for them all.”
The inspection, involving two inspectors from Ofsted as well as one HMI, was both comprehensive and rigorous, and the result is a glowing report showcasing the outstanding work in all areas of the school.
The report, released on 7th March 2025, describes the high-quality provision at the school and praises the school’s curriculum. It states that “The school’s ambitious curriculum gives all pupils many rich opportunities to develop new knowledge” and that “Pupils are safe and happy at this school”. They also comment on the “exemplary” behaviour of the pupils in and around the school, especially their knowledge and following of the school’s core values. The inspectors also noted “the school has a well-planned programme to develop pupils as future citizens”.
The inspection team recognised the importance Holywell Village First School places on inclusivity. The report recognises that the school supports pupils with Special Needs “very well”, ensuring “that pupils with SEND experience a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum alongside their peers”. Ofsted confirmed the arrangements for Safeguarding are effective. Inspectors “considered the extent to which the school has created an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts pupils’ interests first”.
Sarah Brett Headteacher, said “I am exceptionally proud of our pupils and staff. Holywell Village First School aims to give every child the best possible education and the report highlights this and much more. Our pupils embody the school’s values of being ‘respectful’, ‘ready to learn’ and ‘thoughtful, caring and kind’ and inspectors noted this when they visited. Throughout the report praise is given to the pupils and quite rightly as they are the ones who make this school such a wonderful place to learn and work. The report also recognises the quality of the leadership, staff and governance at the school, without which the outstanding gradings would not have been possible.”
Angela Hall, Chair of Governors (on behalf of the governing body) said “The Governors are extremely pleased and proud of the staff and pupils; the Outstanding outcomes in all five judgements of the recent Ofsted inspection are a testament to their dedication and drive to ensure that Holywell Village First School gives its pupils the very best start in their education journey. We are privileged to work with and support the Headteacher and the staff team and delighted to see their work recognised and endorsed by Ofsted”.
Read the full report.