The Stour Academy Trust are celebrating the results of a recent ofsted inspection which endorsed the incredible transformation of Hersden Village Primary school, becoming the first significant milestone of a period of huge growth and revitalisation for the community.
Labelled in 2006 as the school with the worst KS2 attainment score in England and having a long history of inadequate Ofsted judgments, Hersden Village Primary School has been completely turned around by The Stour Academy Trust. Inspected in March 2019, the school received a rating of Outstanding in effectiveness of leadership and management and Outstanding in early years provision whilst receiving a Good judgement overall.
Findings from inspectors highlighted the ambitious leadership: “High expectations, ambition and the pursuit of excellence are shared by leaders at all levels. There is no complacency, but a steely determination to build on current success and secure further improvement, especially in pupils’ outcomes.”
The schools’ Early Years provision, which has seen the proportion of children achieving a good level of development above the national average for the last five years was praised “Children have an excellent start to education in the early years. Children are nurtured, thrive and make strong progress from their starting points. Early years leadership is outstanding.”
On the back of the glowing report, the school is also preparing for an increase of pupil numbers that will see significant improvements to the school’s infrastructure as it expands to a one-form entry school in September 2020. Inspectors commended the Trust’s approach to ensuring that the growth of the school would provide the best possible education for as many pupils as possible. “The strategic, forward planning from this collaborative leadership demonstrates that, despite the forthcoming expansion of the school and all that that entails, the strategy for continues improvement is robust and unwavering. The school is outward looking and senior leaders are committed to providing the best, not only for the pupils of Hersden Village but also for all pupils in the community.”
Simon O’Keefe, CEO of The Stour Academy Trust said “I am tremendously proud of the children and the staff. This excellent report is testament to their hard work and dedication.”
To read the full report and find out more about the school visit www.hersden.kent.sch.uk or facebook.com/hersdenvillageprimary
