ADDINGHAM Primary School is celebrating after receiving an ‘Outstanding’ rating across the board in their most recent Ofsted inspection.

The result is an improvement on their previous rating of ‘Good’.

The inspection, carried out in March 2023, found the school to be 'Outstanding' in all five areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.

The report said children “thrive in every area” and that “every aspect of the quality of education provided at Addingham Primary is first class”.

The report was particularly glowing about the curriculum and the way the school has designed learning to engage the pupils, leading to a programme that exceeds national standards, saying: “The quality of the curriculum at Addingham is exemplary. Pupils’ attitudes to learning are excellent because lessons are so fascinating and appropriately matched to what pupils need to learn next.

“Leaders have designed a challenging curriculum that exceeds national expectations for the early years.”

It goes on to say: “Pupils thrive on this curriculum and ultimately, they achieve exceptionally well in English, mathematics and science by the end of key stage 2. Year on year, pupils are thoroughly prepared for secondary education.”

There was also high praise for the teachers themselves, saying that: “Teachers’ subject knowledge is superb in every national curriculum subject” and that “they are rightly proud of this achievement because it has led to pupils having excellent curriculum knowledge and high achievement.”

Noting the impact of the school’s new headteacher, Linda Spinks, the report said: “The headteacher was determined that every teacher should rapidly achieve the highest standard of expert subject leadership. They have succeeded.”

One notable aspect of the report was the recognition for not just academic success but the culture of the school and the provisions made to nurture children's relationships.

The report says: “The exceptional curriculum for pupils’ personal development has led to a rich culture of mutual respect. Pupils take leadership roles in many aspects of school life. This includes as playground leaders. There is no bullying.”

Noting the high standard of personal, social, health and economic (PHSE) education, the report says: “These pupils are exceptionally well prepared to make a positive contribution to society as future leaders.”

Headteacher Linda Spinks who took over the top post in September said: “I am so proud of the team and delighted that their hard work has been recognised by Ofsted. This report is testament to the dedication of everyone who makes Addingham Primary School so special - the governors, the teachers and of course our amazing children.

“We work hard as a team to ensure that every child at Addingham Primary School receives the best school experience. As a leadership team, we are passionate about providing a rich well-rounded curriculum, meeting the needs of all children and building on their passions and interests.

“We were delighted that the inspectors recognised our work on personal development and creating an inclusive environment for all our pupils. We have no ceilings for our children and believe they can achieve anything with the right guidance and support.”

Addingham Primary School has spaces for children to start in other year groups and for September starters in Reception. If parents would like to come and visit school contact the team on 01943 830298 or mail@addingham.bradford.sch.uk to arrange a meeting.