‘The children make this school, they’re fantastic.’ Primary school gets perfect Ofsted report

Teachers have spoken of their pride after an Ipswich primary school scored the rare accolade of an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating.

The Oaks Community Primary School, in Aster Road, is believed to be the first primary school in the town, for pupils aged 3-11, to score the top rating since 2012.

Run by Asset Education, a local multi-academy trust, it gained top scores in every category measured.

Co-headteachers, Jeremy Pentreath and Phil Palmer, were thrilled with the outcome.

The Oaks Community Primary School has received a perfect Ofsted report Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

Mr Palmer said: “First of all, the thing that we are proud of is the children, they make this school, they’re fantastic.

“We’re also proud of the people connected to the school, the teachers, governors, everyone.”

Mr Pentreath was particularly happy with a quote from one of his pupils published in the report, which read: “We do things here that we would never get to do otherwise.”

He added: “If we had to pick one thing to be proud of it would be that quote, it strikes at the very heart of why we all get into teaching.”

Co-heads Jeremy Pentreath and Phil Palmer Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

Every pupil’s project at the school starts with a trip out of the classroom to inspire them to learn more.

Mr Palmer said: “We call it a ‘Sparkling Start’ it gives them a good boost to begin their journey.

“If you come here at the start of term there are hardly any kids here.

“They are at the museum looking at ancient Egyptian art or at a roundhouse learning about cavemen.’”

The pupils and teachers at the Oaks are overjoyed at the Ofsted results Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

The school is part of the Asset multi-academy trust. Chief executive Clare Flintoff said the Ofsted report was a major achievement.

And she said of the headteachers: “They’re fantastic teachers, they are completely dedicated to the children.

“This outcome showcases the success of a local multi-academy trust which was established in order to bring the best possible educational opportunities to local children.”

Despite their fantastic results the school says it will not be taking its foot off the gas.

Mr Pentreath said: “We can’t take our eye off the ball, we do so at our peril.”