Primary school Easton is rated 'good' for 'first time' by Ofsted in remarkable turnaround

Former pupil Bristol mayor Marvin Rees paid a visit to congratulate the school

A primary school in Bristol has been rated ‘good’ - just seven years after being placed in 'special measures'. 

Easton Church of England Academy, in Beaufort Street, had previously been rated ‘requires improvement’.

But Ofsted inspectors were impressed with the progress that had been made when they visited in November 2019.

Their report, published earlier this month, states: “Staff form very supportive relationships with pupils and treat them with the utmost respect… Pupils thoroughly enjoy their learning.”

Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees visited his old school yesterday (January 30) to pass on his personal congratulations.

The school was rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted in 2013 and placed in special measures.

This prompted it to join the Diocese of Bristol Academies Trust, which also runs St Mary Redcliffe Church of England Primary and Fishponds Church of England Academy.

After four years, however, the school’s rating was bumped up to ‘required improvement’, before finally achieving ‘good’.

Head teacher Peter Overton said: “We’re delighted with the report. It’s wonderful for the community of Easton to be served by a good primary school and a good secondary school for the first time in a long time.”

Inspectors heaped praise on leaders, teachers and pupils and branded the school an “important part of the community”.

Staff listen sensitively to parents while striving to create an inspiring, extensive and exciting curriculum, the inspectors said.

Paying tribute to the children, the report states: “Pupils are respectful and listen carefully, because they want to learn.

“Most pupils settle to work with the minimum of fuss. This helps them to achieve.”

The report hailed the help given to pupils with special education needs and disabilities, describing the support as “highly effective”.

Mr Overton said many families had experienced “long and difficult” journeys to come to Easton from places throughout the world, so he is glad the education on offer is effective.

The head teacher, who has been in the top role since September 2014, indicated that staff’s hard work and dedication have been central to the school’s success.

“It’s not the easiest school to work in but we have a really consistent and steady team,” said Mr Overton.

In a statement, chair of governors Andrew Hogg wrote: “To the best of our knowledge this is the first time that the school here at Easton has ever been graded ‘Good’.

“In fact, we think it is also the first time that Easton is served by both a ‘Good’ primary school and ‘Good’ secondary school (City Academy) at the same time.

“This is wonderful news for our community and how fitting it is that both Marvin Rees’ old schools have achieved this recognition whilst he is Mayor.”

The inspection on November 27-28, 2019, saw Ofsted rate the following areas ‘good’: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management and early years provision.

Personal development was regarded as ‘outstanding’.