Wednesday 8 January 2014

Ponteland Middle School is officially Outstanding!!


Ponteland Community Middle School has become the first Middle School in the whole of Northumberland to be judged outstanding in every single area, since the new tougher inspections were introduced. 

The Ofsted inspection was carried out on Wednesday, 11 and Thursday, 12 December last year. The report is worth a read - see below. This is an incredible achievement and testament to the hard work of all the parents, pupils and teachers who work so hard to make the school what it is.

There is, however, one person who deserves to be singled out for special praise:  Dr Caroline Pryer, is someone I count as both a friend and one of the best head teachers I have ever met. 

All head teachers care about their schools. However, there are some who show a level of dedication and commitment to the pupils in their care that can not fail to move you. Caroline is one of those head teachers. Don't just take my word for it. The school has been commended for its strong leadership and management and Ofsted reported: “the headteacher leads a strong team of senior and middle leaders who share her dynamic vision and enrichment to teaching and learning.  This team has created a culture of positive thinking”.  
Ofsted added that, “Leaders, including governors, have the highest expectations of themselves and the staff they lead.  Their enthusiasm and drive is shared by all who work in the school”. 

The report continued  that the progress of Year 5 children accelerates rapidly so that they are well above the average by time they leave the school at the end of Year 8.”

As part of the new Inspection framework, parents of children at the school were asked to take part in an online survey.  Of the 100 responses almost all would recommend the school to others. I think that says it all. If you want to read the report yourself, whether as a parent, or simply because you are interested it is all here: http://www.pontelandmiddle.northumberland.sch.uk/site/1923-school-information/page-34523-ofsted
Well done one and all.