BEST behaviour paid off for pupils and teachers at Powick CE Primary School, near Worcester, when they received an “outstanding” rating from Ofsted inspectors.

The school achieved the highest award possible after the inspectors found an “excellent quality of teaching” and children with “impeccable behaviour”.

They attributed the school’s fantastic progress, which saw it improve on a previous Ofsted report, to the vision of headteacher Richard Drewett.

Mr Drewett, who came to the school as headteacher 11 years ago, insisted it was a group effort that has led to the school’s success.

He said: “I have terrific staff at Powick, the children work hard, are fun to be with and parents are very supportive.”

He described the Malvern Road school as “very fortunate” for its strong community links, the effectiveness of the governors and the sound advice it receives from Worcestershire County Council.

The successes of the school were praised across the board, with it getting grade one, or outstanding, for 31 out of the 33 grading criteria.

For the remaining two it received a grade two, classed as “generally above average”.

The report, compiled after inspectors visited in April, said: “Bearing in mind the progress that has been made in recent years, the rising standards and the excellent plans for future development, the school is extremely well placed to continue on its upward path – there is no complacency here!”

Chairman of the governors Cathryn Throup called the report a “ringing endorsement of all the excellent work which makes Powick school so special.”

POWICK CE PRIMARY SCHOOL - WHAT THE INSPECTORS SAY:

Star Ratings

  • Overall effectiveness: Grade 1– outstanding.
  • Effectiveness of the Early Years Foundation Stage: Grade 1 – outstanding.
  • Achievement and standards: Grade 1 – outstanding.
  • Personal development and wellbeing: Grade 1 – outstanding.
  • The quality of provision: Grade 1 – outstanding.
  • Leadership and management: Grade 1 – outstanding.

What the school does well

  • Pupils are making excellent progress and reaching high standards by the time they leave because they are being taught extremely well.
  • The headteacher has very good plans to make the school even better and he is extremely well supported by all the staff and the governors.
  • Lessons are typified by lively, active learning, with pupils thoroughly engaged in their tasks and often working in pairs and small groups very effectively.
  • Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding.

What could be improved

  • Improve the use of assessment information in the reception class by recording children’s gains in learning more regularly and also identifying their next steps in learning.
  • Ensure all pupils know their precise next steps in learning and that teachers refer to these targets more regularly when they mark pupils’ work.