Beaminster St Mary’s Academy praised in recent inspection

 

Beaminster St Mary’s Academy are delighted that the hard work of the whole school community is being recognised and leading to significant improvement.  The monitoring inspection, which took place in May, was one of Ofsted’s first face-to-face visits since the pandemic started, and concluded that: “Leaders and those responsible for governance are taking effective action.”

 

The inspector noted the determination and swift actions of the school’s leaders to make improvements stating: “…you made bold decisions about key changes to the school’s core curriculum and the early years phase. These are proving to be successful and have provided the foundations for continued improvement. Leaders of mathematics and early years report that you have created an open and supportive ethos. As a result, the community appreciates the changes that are taking place.”    

 

Inspectors also praised the school’s focus on reading, the support it provides to pupils, tailored to their needs and the confidence that the children demonstrated when applying their maths skills to new contexts.  Governors were praised for the support and challenge they provide to the school.  The strength that staff gain from working alongside other schools in the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust, was seen as a real strength.

 

The school’s Headteacher, Carys Barnett, said: “We are extremely pleased that the progress the school has made has been acknowledged. Despite the challenges of the last two academic years with school closures due to COVID, the school has still been able to move forwards and make great progress. The action points from the inspection are areas that we had already identified as next steps and we are now focused on making those things happen as rapidly as possible.”  

 

Mark Lacey, CEO of the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust said: “We have enjoyed seeing the progress made at Beaminster St Mary’s in recent months, even during these difficult times, and are delighted that this has been recognised.  We are all committed to building on these successes and looking forward to the next full inspection where even more progress will be celebrated.”   

 

People interested in finding out more about the school, are welcome to be in touch with the office on 01308 862201 where it is hoped that more visits for prospective families will be possible very soon.

 

For more information about the school and to read the full report (also attached), please visit the school website at www.beaminsterstmarys.dsat.org.uk