Richard Hill CE Primary School in Thurcaston, Leicestershire, is celebrating this week, after it was recognised by Ofsted inspectors as a GOOD school in all five areas of inspection, having previously been graded as ‘requires improvement’ in 2022.

Speaking of the outcome, Sally Applebee, Headteacher at Richard Hill CE Primary School, said, “We have worked incredibly hard over the past three years to learn from the findings of the 2022 report and to implement the changes necessary to ensure the success of our school. We’re absolutely delighted that the Ofsted inspectors recognised this and have graded us as ‘good’ in all areas; including the Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management, and Early Years Provision.

“We have an incredibly committed team at Richard Hill, who have all gone above and beyond, meaning we are now in the best position we have been in for some years. All our pupils are constantly reaching new heights and the culture and ethos at school is just fantastic.”

The Ofsted inspectors were with the school for two days in May, and during that time looked into every aspect of school life – from how the curriculum is built and delivered to how well supported the children feel academically and emotionally.

The report highlighted the following:

• This is a happy school where pupils are enthusiastic about their learning. Behaviour in the school is calm and orderly. Pupils feel safe and well supported. The school takes great care to include all pupils in everything that it does. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
• Effective leadership provides a clear sense of direction. The school has high expectations for all pupils’ achievement.
• Pupils are attentive and enthusiastic learners, achieving well across the curriculum. They enjoy relevant and interesting learning activities.
• The school enriches the curriculum to make learning exciting.
• Children in the early years get off to a positive start in their learning. They engage well with activities, working and playing together. Staff are attentive to children’s individual needs. They provide clear guidance to help children learn and practise new knowledge.
• The school provides a well-designed personal development programme. Pupils have opportunities to broaden their horizons through a range of learning experiences.
• Parents and carers hold the school in high regard. They praise both the standard of teaching and the quality of pastoral care.
• Morale is high and staff are proud to work at this school.

Continuing, Sally said, “For a small, village school, Richard Hill is now exceeding expectations and we couldn’t be prouder. Its achievements speak volumes, as does its status as a good school.”

Jane Jones, CEO at Learn Academies Trust, commented that, “We were delighted when Richard Hill CE Primary School joined our family of schools in February 2024. It is a very special, little school with a huge heart and high aspirations. Our colleagues and experts across the Trust have thoroughly enjoyed working with Sally and her team at Richard Hill to support the continuing process of implementing and refining the exciting and extensive curriculum changes introduced over the past two to three years. Pupils are safe, happy and developing well in terms of their knowledge, skills and personal attributes and their outcomes are strong. Ofsted inspectors saw this in abundance during their recent visit. We are immensely pleased for, and proud of, the small but mighty Richard Hill community.”

To read a full copy of the report please visit: Richard Hill Church of England Primary School - Ofsted