We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our school has been praised in a glowing report from school inspectors, Ofsted.
The inspection shines a light on the turnaround our school has made since becoming an Academy in 2017 and embarking on a programme of rapid improvements under the guidance of our sponsor, the North East Learning Trust.
The report specifically states that everyone involved in our school has the highest expectations for every child and openly commends all aspects of school life as ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ including: Exemplary pupil behaviour; the high quality of the curriculum; robust safeguarding arrangements; effective leadership; and the quality of early years teaching – however the most heart-warming observation is perhaps that of the pupils themselves who inspectors say: “love attending school” and who feel happy, safe and proud of their school.
Sacriston Academy is rated as 'Good' by Oftsed, however, we are very proud to say that our school was awarded 'outstanding' in three out of five areas. These include; behaviour and attitudes, personal development and early years' provision.
Outstanding for early years provision means that our youngest children are receiving the highest quality education possible in a fantastic learning environment. Very few schools receive this accolade and we are delighted that Sacriston has joined the elite few who are considered exemplary across England.
Headteacher, Annalei Bartlett, who inspectors say “has steered the school to substantial improvement since her appointment” is rightly delighted with her staff and pupils:
“We are absolutely thrilled and could not be prouder of our community school. I am so pleased that the dedication of our staff and families has been recognised.
“The journey we have undertaken from special measures has been rapid and is testament to the hard work and dedication of our school staff, North East Learning Trust, our families and children.
“Our Ofsted report clearly shows that we have happy children and staff who adore learning. The balance between this and high academic outcomes can be a challenge to achieve, so is something to be very proud of.”
Deputy CEO of the North East Learning Trust and Executive Headteacher at Sacriston Academy, Dr Janice Gorlach, said:
“Sacriston Academy completely lives up our Trust vision by offering ‘every child access to an excellent education, every day’. What I see is outstanding teaching and learning delivered by devoted and talented staff to well behaved, bright and eager to learn children who thoroughly enjoy coming to school.
“Local families embraced the changes we needed to make back in 2017 and trusted us to make a difference for their children – which we have - and where Sacriston Academy is now, without doubt, one of the best primary schools in the area."
Chair of governors, Tracey Pizl, added:
“The report confirms what we have been experiencing at Sacriston Academy for some time, that special measures are long forgotten and that the school is delivering a fantastic quality of education for the children and families of Sacriston and the local area.”
Read the full report by downloading it below.