Fulbridge Academy rated Outstanding by Ofsted
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Fulbridge Academy has been rated outstanding by Ofsted, an achievement equalled by just 4% of primary schools nationally during last academic year.
The Academy were inspected on 19th and 20th March 2024 and achieved outstanding across all areas. (Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management and Early Years)
The inspectors shared feedback on how, “Pupils love their school and are profoundly happy” and that “Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary”. They also report on how “Pupils are eager to learn. How they listen attentively and take turns' and how, “Pupils make a considerable contribution to the school and local community”.
Mr Erskine (Executive Principal) said: “During the two days, inspectors spoke about how the children love their school and express themselves so eloquently. How the school gives children opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have; the depth of the clubs, their love to perform in drama, dance and music as well as their passion for sports.
“An achievement like this is not something that happens overnight. This amazing achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire school community – from our exceptional children to our committed staff and supportive parents”
Chair of Governors, Karen Hingston said,
“All the staff have worked so hard, with the children at the heart of everything they do, this outcome is so very well deserved. We are so very pleased with the outcome of this inspection. There has been a lot recently in the press about Ofsted and the process, it was an intense few days but this result reflects the ongoing hard work and commitment by all the staff at Fulbridge. Their passion and commitment to the children at Fulbridge is clear, and this outcome demonstrates that.”
Fulbridge caters for over 900 students aged between 3 and 11 years old, serving in a diverse community which hosts over 35 different languages. The Academy’s overriding aim is to ensure that they improve the lives of the children by enabling them to enjoy learning and fulfil their potential by developing the resilience, curiosity, knowledge and skills required to be successful.
At Fulbridge Academy we have designed an innovative, knowledge-rich curriculum that will prepare children for their future. It is informed by research from leading educationalists whilst being shaped to meet the needs of the local community. Inspectors witnessed Fulbridge’s vision in action when they visited making comments like, “You are crafting, nurturing and caring for super citizens of now and the future”.
The Ofsted team were very complimentary about the schools curriculum explaining how: “Ambition permeates the school’s broad curriculum” and “The curriculum is so carefully thought through for every learner in every year group.”
The inspectors also said that: “Pupils’ looked out for their friends with SEND. They are patient and kind.”
The Academy was praised on how it has created a strong culture where: “Pupils’ knowledge of world religions and cultures is strong. They celebrate differences. They focus not on what divides them but on what unites them”.
Executive Principal, Ben Erskine said, “I would like to thank the wonderful staff team. Their dedication to create a supportive and engaging yet challenging learning environment where high quality provision is delivered day in day out. They have been critical in shaping the positive outcomes observed during the inspection. I know that staff, governors and the Four Cs MAT have and will continue to work tirelessly to implement and provide the best quality education, opportunities and experiences for children at Fulbridge Academy.”
“We endeavour to create caring, thoughtful and resilient pupils who are proud of themselves and the communities they live in. We want pupils who leave us fully ready and prepared for their futures. It was lovely to see this recognised by Ofsted.”
“We received many wonderful comments from the inspectors over the course of the inspection, but there are a couple of quotes that will stay with me forever. The HMI said in the feedback to leaders, that there is no ceiling to ambition here and that you make learning happen because you teach it so well. And to top it off, a child said to an inspector, ‘At Fulbridge we don’t let religions stop friendships.’ This made me incredibly proud to have led and be part of the Fulbridge success.”
Head of School, Sam Smee added, “With this being my first year in post, we knew that an Ofsted visit was imminent and so this is a fantastic recognition of the hard work, commitment and wonderful things that take place at Fulbridge Academy every single day. We all feel very proud of what’s been achieved and long may it continue”.
Mike Sandeman, CEO of Four Cs MAT concluded, “This is an accolade of the
highest degree. I would like to thank everyone involved with this outstanding result; this is richly deserved by all of the Fulbridge Academy community. I am delighted for everyone that their work has been recognised in this way and I am extremely proud of each, and every individual involved in the school.”