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Westgate Hill Primary Academy

Huge congratulations to Westgate Hill Primary Academy, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, which has achieved an Ofsted Outstanding grade!

The inspection report described the school as ‘inclusive’, stating that it promoted strong values using words such as ‘welcoming’, ‘respectful’ and ‘understanding all points of view’, which are reflected in the behaviours of the children who attend. School staff were found to be ‘understanding’ and had the pupils’ safety and wellbeing at heart in the decisions. Alongside this, the Head of School and leadership team are reported as leading with a ‘strong moral purpose’ as well as having ‘an exceptional understanding of the needs of young children.’

It has been a long journey since November 2016 when the school received an inadequate (special measures) inspection outcome which was followed by academisation into the Laidlaw Schools Trust in September 2017. It has been clear that the staff have put in a huge amount of hard work along with the support of their academy trust to receive the glowing comments in the Ofsted report.

Executive Head Teacher of the Academy, Keeley Wood commented:

‘I feel immensely privileged to have had the opportunity to work with such a dedicated team of staff and leaders over the last four years. Their drive, resilience and determination to improve the school community has been incredible. The trust and our sponsor Lord Laidlaw have nurtured, supported and championed Westgate Hill, allowing it to grow and excel. All staff, children and parents are all absolutely delighted with this well deserved outcome.’

St Patrick’s Catholic College, A Voluntary Catholic Academy

Another North East School has been upgraded by Ofsted from inadequate (special measures) to good.

The Ofsted report outlined that the school has pupils ‘who are proud to attend’ and that they enjoy their school experience with the catholic ethos supporting pupils well in their personal development. It is important to highlight that the school was commended on having a ‘broad and ambitious curriculum’ which provides the basis for pupils’ motivations to succeed academically.

Director of Schools North East, Chris Zarraga commented:

“These are two great stories to receive, it is just brilliant to see North East schools and their staff receiving deserved praise. Schools North East is dedicated to countering the negative narrative around schools which is prevalent in so much media commentary. We aim to ensure that the amazing work of all North East schools receives the regional and national prominence it deserves.”

We would like to hear your positive stories which we can share in our weekly newsletter and on the Schools North East blog. If you have any stories for us you can send us information by clicking here.