Top marks for primary school

Hodge Clough Junior School receives good Ofsted report. Left to right, Christy Bennett, Neil Cavanagh (head teacher), George Allcock, Samuel Kirk, Iona Gillis.

HODGE Clough Junior School has been praised as good with outstanding features in a glowing inspection report.

The education watchdog Ofsted found that it has made outstanding progress in recent years and is a happy community where mutual respect is paramount.

Its significant strengths include its leadership and management, pastoral care and academic guidance, pupils’ personal development and well being, and its contribution to community cohesion, which were all described as outstanding.

The standards pupils achieve in Year 6 have risen significantly in the last two years, along with their attendance. They join Year 3 with broadly average attainment, enjoy school and make good progress, leaving with above average attainment.

The inspectors praised the teaching as good with outstanding features and this, coupled with the good curriculum, is accelerating pupils’ progress.

The Moorside school’s evaluation of its performance was described as modest and Ofsted added: “Parents are unanimous in their praise for the progress that the school and their children have made.

“Typically they wrote, ‘This school is fantastic. Children love it. The teachers are caring, friendly and good at their jobs. The head teacher is excellent and you can always speak to him.’”

They continued: “The very dynamic and able head teacher provides a clear direction for this inclusive school. Together with supportive governors and an outstanding management team he has had an exceptional impact upon school improvement.”

Delighted head teacher Neil Cavanagh said: “This is wonderful news for everyone connected with Hodge Clough and children, staff, parents and governors should feel proud and delighted.

“We are particularly pleased that the report has praised the school’s efforts to provide guidance and support to pupils and this reflects the work being done by the school to provide first-rate education and the best possible care for all pupils.”