Ofsted have been doing the rounds in Stoke Newington – carrying out inspections at several local primary schools.
For some schools, this was their first Ofsted inspection in more than a decade.
Local schools William Patten and Grazebrook held on to their ‘outstanding’ ranking and, whilst an interim inspection maintained Betty Layward and Northwold Primary’s ‘good’ rating, inspectors said they would be likely to receive ‘outstanding’ in a full, graded inspection.
In 2020 the government announced plans to reinspect all outstanding schools by the summer of 2025. Routine four-yearly inspections of outstanding schools had been halted since 2011 to enable Ofsted to focus on the worst performing schools so, for some ‘outstanding’ schools this was their first inspection in over a decade.
Vicky Bibiris, Managing Director of Location Location estate agency, said: “For parents choosing which primary school to apply for this January, these new inspections are well-timed. While Ofsted inspections and their one-word rating system are contentious, they play a huge role in decision-making for many parents.
“Ofsted is also a huge driver for the area’s housing market – homes within the catchment of ‘outstanding’ schools command a premium – selling for 20% more.
“Here in Stoke Newington, we’re lucky to have lots of ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ schools, which helps make this area a magnet for so many families.”
In October 2023, inspectors visited William Patten – its’ previous inspection was in 2012. The report concluded: “The school’s curriculum thinking enables teachers to deliver a highly ambitious curriculum for all pupils. In science, for example, pupils develop a secure understanding of complex ideas such as photosynthesis. In the early years, activities advance children’s knowledge and social skills.”
Describing Betty Layward, following a visit in October, inspectors wrote: “Pupils love coming to this school. They enjoy learning because leaders have thought carefully about how to make the curriculum relevant and engaging. Pupils know that teachers expect them to work hard. They rise to these high expectations.”
A month later, ranking Grazebrook School ‘outstanding’, they wrote: “Leaders have created a calm and orderly environment in which pupils flourish.”
The Garden School, a special school on Wordsworth Road, also maintained its ‘outstanding’ rating following an inspection in March 2023.
Other local schools recently reinspected include St Mary’s Primary, rated ‘good’ by inspectors in April 2023. Grasmere Primary was rated ‘good’ in 2022 – inspectors described it as: “a small school with a big heart.”
In July 2023 St Matthias was rated ‘good’ – inspectors said it was: “a happy and friendly school filled with lots of positive energy.” Princess May was visited by inspectors in June 2023 and maintained its ‘good’ rating. The school is expected to merge with Colverstone Primary in September this year due to falling roll numbers.
Following inspections in March 2023, Newington Green Primary and Oldhill Community School maintained their ‘good’ ratings, as did Benthal Primary following an inspection in June.
According to data released by Ofsted at the end of 2023, 20 per cent of the 578 “outstanding” schools given graded inspections in 2022-23 retained their top grade.
Ofsted inspections were temporarily paused last year to allow inspectors to receive better mental health training following the death of Headteacher Ruth Perry.
Nurseries and childminders are also subject to Ofsted inspections. To check their rating, click here.
