Celebrating Excellence: Coquet Park First School shines bright with “Outstanding” Ofsted report!

We’re delighted to share some fantastic news from Coquet Park First School in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside!
Their recent Ofsted inspection, which took place in April this year, has confirmed what Schools North East consistently shouts about: our schools are home to incredible dedication and exceptional achievements.
While Ofsted no longer issues single-word judgments, Coquet Park First School has, in effect, achieved the highest possible praise, being awarded “outstanding” across all five categories. Fantastic news to end the academic year with.
A school where every child can “achieve, believe, and enjoy”
The inspectors were clearly captivated by the school’s deeply embedded values of ‘achieve, believe and enjoy’, noting how these are truly brought to life by everyone in the school community.
From their ‘high aspirations’ to the way pupils ‘delight in their success’, the report paints a vibrant picture of a school where learning is a joy.
A true team effort towards excellence
Colleen Ward, Head Teacher at Coquet Park First School, spoke with immense pride about the report: “This recognition is the result of a true team effort. Our staff, pupils, and families work together every day to create a learning environment where every child feels empowered to thrive. We believe in aiming high, but we never lose sight of the importance of care, character, and community.”
This sentiment was echoed by inspectors, who praised leadership, staff, governors, and the local authority for ‘uniting in their pursuit of excellence’. It’s particularly heartening to hear that children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) receive the same ‘high-quality curriculum offer as their peers’, ensuring high achievements for all pupils.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, also shared his delight, stating, “Coquet Park First School’s outstanding report is a fantastic example of the dedication and hard work happening in our region’s schools. It perfectly showcases the positive impact of a truly collaborative and child-centred approach to education. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
Nurturing minds and hearts: Beyond academics
Coquet Park First School’s commitment extends far beyond academic brilliance. The report specifically commended their outstanding pastoral care, highlighting an inclusive and supportive environment where pupils feel safe, valued, and respected.
Behaviour was described as exemplary, with children demonstrating kindness, confidence, and respect for one another and to staff. It’s no surprise that children are clearly proud of their school and enjoy coming to school each day!
A “happy, welcoming, and inspiring place”
The positive feedback isn’t just from inspectors; parents too spoke highly of the school, with many describing it as a “happy, welcoming, and inspiring place for their children.”
We extend our warmest congratulations to the entire Coquet Park First School community on this incredible achievement! It’s a testament to their dedication and the brilliant things happening in North East schools.
You can read the full, inspiring report here to learn more about their success.
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