Christ Church Church of England Primary School, Newark, graded good by both Ofsted and Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMs)

A Newark school that has grown significantly through its relocation is celebrating success after two examinations.

Christ Church Church of England Primary School, which moved from tiny premises on Victoria Street to a new purpose-built school on Middlebeck, was tested by both Ofsted and Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMs) because it is a faith school.

It also switched from being an infant school to a primary school, taking in many more pupils as a result.

Both inspections returned good gradings across the board with the school having previously been marked as requires improvement by Ofsted last time out.

Deputy headteacher, Miss Donna Cobb said: “We are absolutely delighted to be celebrating our two recent Good inspection results.

“The school had it’s first Ofsted inspection after converting to a primary school and moving to the new school site on Middlebeck.

“The school team has a lot of the same staff from the old school site, that have been working really hard to ensure progress and achievement for the pupils and work on the areas of improvement from the last Ofsted.

“Since September the staff team has grown and the number of pupils have increased from the 42 pupils that came with us from the old school to over 140 children currently on roll (including the nursery).

“The school maintains it’s family feel and sense of community. Some members of staff had children that came to the school or came to it themselves.

“Staff are already further developing by working on the areas that could still be improved.

“I am so very proud of our school team and community. We have been working so hard over the last five years to improve outcomes for pupils and it is wonderful to have this recognised in such glowing Ofsted and SIAMs reports. It is a privilege to work with staff and governors who are so dedicated to coming together to promote the very best for all of the children in our school and our Newark community.

Co-chairman of governors, Tony Roberts said: “Over the last year the school has grown in number and the quality of education we provide for our pupils. That is thanks to the hard working and dedicated staff. We are so pleased this has been reflected by SIAMs and Ofsted.”

Ofsted found Christ Church to be good across all five areas it assesses; the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision; while SIAMS found it to be good in the two areas it marks on, the impact of collective worship and the effectiveness of religious education (RE).

Ofsted found Christ Church to be a warm and welcoming school community. Pupils are happy at Christ Church. They behave well because leaders and teachers have high expectations. Staff are ambitious for all pupils.

Despite recent considerable change, all staff remain focused on making the school a better place for pupils. The new building has created an opportunity to raise expectations further, and leaders have grasped that opportunity.

SIAMS found the motto ‘learning and growing together in faith hope and love’ is known to pupils, parents and staff. The values ‘faith, hope and love’ are lived out in the daily life of the school.

The school can currently take pupils from four years old in reception class to Year 5.

These children will become the first Year 6 next year.

The nursery offers both 15 and 30 hour places and a degree of flexibility.

Children can be admitted to nursery following their third birthday.

For places, or more information, email; parents@christchurch.notts.sch.uk