Junior rated Good on track to become Outstanding, say inspectors

Ofsted says a junior school which is currently rated Good could become Outstanding at its next inspection.

Inspectors visited Christ Church CE Junior School last month to carry out an ungraded inspection and found 'enough evidence of improved performance to suggest that the school could be judged Outstanding if we were to carry out a graded inspection now'. The school's next inspection will be graded.

Christ Church CE Infant and Nursery School, which is part of the same federation of schools, received an identical outcome when it was visited earlier this year.

Inspectors say pupils 'thrive' at Christ Church CE Junior School, describing it as welcoming and inclusive'. Its Christian values of respect, kindness, honesty, love, friendship and perseverance 'are evident in all aspects of school life', with staff being 'excellent role models for these values'.

Leadership at all levels 'is exceptional'. Leaders have 'high expectations and expect pupils to work hard and achieve their best', with pupils rising to this challenge very well. The curriculum is 'highly effective and ambitious' and teachers have 'excellent subject knowledge' which makes pupils 'very well prepared for the next stage of their education'.

Leaders and teachers support pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) 'with skilful expertise', identifying their needs quickly and ensuring that any barriers are overcome. As a result, 'pupils with SEND achieve exceptionally well'.

Leaders at the Tettenhall Wood school prioritise early reading and provide an 'exceptional personal development offer for all pupils'. Pupils have a very deep understanding of tolerance and respect, are 'friendly, polite and well mannered' and 'behave exceptionally well' in class and at playtime.

Older pupils support younger children in many ways, acting as buddies on the playground and mentoring them in maths and with their reading.

Leaders ensure pupils gain a wide range of experiences outside of the classroom, with a wide variety of after school clubs, visitors and trips ensuring there is something for everyone.

Executive Headteacher Sarah Blower said: "I am extremely pleased that the inspectors have recognised the high standards that we set for our children across the federation.

“We have high aspirations for our children from nursery through to Year 6. We pride ourselves on offering a high-quality education for the full duration of the children’s learning journey so that they can achieve their potential and move on to secondary school from a very strong foundation.”

Councillor Chris Burden, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Work, said: "This is an excellent report and one which suggests that Christ Church CE Junior School, like Christ Church CE Infant and Nursery, could achieve an Outstanding judgment when it has its next graded inspection.

"I would like to congratulate Sarah, her staff, governors, children and parents for their continuing hard work which has seen both Christ Church schools receive excellent Ofsted reports."

Latest figures show 89% of schools in Wolverhampton are now rated either Good or Outstanding in Wolverhampton, above the regional and national average. In addition, nine in 10 Wolverhampton pupils attend Good or Outstanding schools, the best in the West Midlands.

Executive Headteacher Sarah Blower, Councillor Chris Burden, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Work and Head of School Jemma Nash celebrate Christ Church CE Junior School’s Good Ofsted report with pupils.