Top marks for Eastgate Academy after going from ‘special measures’ to ‘outstanding’ in Ofsted report

Pupils of Eastgate Academy with Dr Duncan Ramsey, Chief Executive of CWA Academy Trust (back left), Melanie Wellard, Chair of Governors for Eastgate Academy (back right) and Principal Linda Hothersall (front). Picture: Paul Tibbs (Image: Paul Tibbs)

The primary school, on Wyatt Street, King's Lynn, has been graded 'outstanding' in all areas with the report stating pupils receive both an outstanding academic education and highly effective support for their emotional well-being.

The news comes after their last Ofsted inspection, which took place before it converted into a CWA Academy Trust, placed the school in special measures.

Up until now there were only six schools in the country who have gone from special measures to outstanding in consecutive inspections, with Eastgate Academy being the first in Norfolk to have achieved it.

Principal Linda Hothersall is overjoyed with the outcome, she said: 'The journey to outstanding has been a whole community effort - staff, students, parents and governors alike have shaped this academy into the 'outstanding' learning provision it is today.

'CWA Academy Trust has given us such good support over the last three years. We are the same staffing body that were here before, we have just worked really hard and it's paid off.

'I am absolutely thrilled that the inspectors agree with our self-evaluation - we knew we could do it.'

The following points were made in the report:

• The principal, assistant principals and governors have worked relentlessly to ensure improvements in outcomes for all pupils. As a consequence of their effective actions, teaching, learning and assessment and outcomes for pupils throughout the school are outstanding.

• Pupils are impeccably well behaved. They are kind, courteous and respectful of other pupils and adults. Pupils are encouraged to consider how their behaviour affects others. Consequently, pupils are able to regulate their behaviour and resolve barriers to learning.

• Leaders, teachers and teaching assistants have very high expectations and aspirations for pupils. As a result, pupils are very focused, intellectually curious and eager to learn.

• One-to-one provision for reading, writing and mathematics is a particular strength of the school, enabling the most vulnerable pupils to make accelerated progress.