Siddal Primary school has improved its Ofsted rating from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’

Siddal Primary School was visited by inspectors who noted that the school had made “significant improvements” and was “calm and had a strong sense of consistency”.

It marks a turnaround for the school, since joining the Polaris Multi-Academy Trust in 2021 and the Head of School, Mrs Lucy Aaron, being appointed to her role in September of the same year.

The school, which teaches over 200 pupils aged 3 to 11, was said to have a ‘a culture of openness and honesty that helps pupils to feel safe and that ‘leaders understand the importance of the curriculum beyond the academic.’

Mrs Aaron, Head of Siddal Primary School school, said. “I am delighted that we are officially judged as a ‘good’ school by Ofsted.

"Our staff and governors work incredibly hard and always go that extra mile for our school and the community we serve, and they deserve to be recognised for the difference that they make to our children and families.

“The support from the Polaris Multi-Academy Trust has been invaluable, and I would like to thank them for supporting us on every step of this journey and enabling us to become the successful school we are today.”

CEO of Polaris Multi-Academy Trust, Mr Steve Evans, said: “I know that Lucy and her team work tirelessly to deliver the very best education possible at Siddal Primary School, and this grading is a testament to that.

"We are thrilled for the team at Siddal Primary and feel privileged to have been a part of their journey so far.”

Siddal Primary School was commended on how “positively its parents speak about the school” and on how the “relationships between staff and pupils are underpinned by care” according to the report.

Inspectors also noted that “Leaders at all levels have high expectations for pupils. Governors understand their roles and offer challenge to leaders about the quality of education on offer to pupils.

“Trustees, governors and executive leaders have clear systems in place so that the school’s performance is kept under review.”