The Stour Academy Trust are again celebrating the results of a recent Ofsted inspection that highlighted the incredible journey of a school once judged to be inadequate.
Lansdowne Primary School in Sittingbourne received a rating of ‘Outstanding’ in four out of five inspection categories with a ‘Good’ rating overall from an inspection by Ofsted in December 2022.
Headteacher Claire Jobe and pupils from Lansdowne Primary School celebrate.
Judged to be inadequate in 2013 and in special measures by May 2014, The Stour Academy Trust was approached by the DfE in November of 2014 to assume leadership of Lansdowne after concerns about the school’s future.
Since joining The Stour Academy Trust, the school’s fortunes have completely turned around. After a challenging three years, which saw the Trust make rapid improvements to all areas of the school, Lansdowne was inspected by Ofsted in 2017, where the school celebrated a ‘Good’ overall rating and received ‘Outstanding’ in two inspection categories of Early Years Provision and Leadership and Management.
“Outstanding leadership has ensured that improvements at Lansdowne Primary School have been rapid and sustained. Achievement has risen dramatically.” – Ofsted 2017
“The trust has been instrumental in supporting the headteacher to achieve rapid improvements at Lansdowne.” – Ofsted 2017
The inspection in December 2022 builds upon the success of the previous inspection with the school maintaining its ‘Outstanding’ rating in Leadership and Management and Early Years provision whilst also being awarded ‘Outstanding’ in the Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development categories.
In a glowing report, amongst many other areas, inspectors highlighted: how the school removes barriers to learning, the behaviour of pupils, the strength of reading and the high ambitions and expectations for all pupils:
“Ambitions are extremely high at Lansdowne Primary School.”
“Leaders and staff strive for excellence in everything they do.”
“Every pupil receives the support they need to excel.”
“Pupils attend very well and benefit consistently from the education offered. They enjoy school because they experience a high-quality education.”
“In lessons and around school, pupils behave admirably. Respectful of adults, they listen to instructions and explanations attentively.”
“Pupils’ personal development is exceptional. They experience a very wide range of opportunities.”
“Leaders have created a culture of high expectations for all.”
“The teaching of reading is a strength. Importantly, children in the early years start learning to read straightaway.”
“Staff understand the needs of pupils. They do everything possible to remove barriers that prevent learning.”
“Pupils are taught a well-planned curriculum that is exciting and fun. Their knowledge and skills develop quickly in a wide range of subject areas.”
With its Early Years provision being rated as Outstanding once more, Lansdowne Primary School’s ability to give children a high-quality education from the moment they step through the door, has had official backing from the education watchdog.
“Children in early years love playing. Clear and consistent routines mean that they behave very well. They engage well in the many rich and varied activities that are planned for them. They sustain concentration incredibly well and persevere when things are difficult. They successfully learn to take turns, share, interact with others, including adults, and problem solve. Their numeracy and literacy skills develop quickly. This gives pupils an excellent foundation on which to build as they move into Year 1 and beyond.”
Claire Jobe, Headteacher of Lansdowne Primary School:
We are immensely proud of the outcome of this inspection and to have official recognition of the high-quality education that children receive here at Lansdowne. To be rated as Outstanding in our Early Years Provision and Leadership and Management yet again, alongside two additional outstanding inspection categories, shows our commitment to providing our children the education they deserve.
We have to thank our amazing children, our dedicated staff and the fantastic support of our parents, carers and the wider community for making Lansdowne Primary School a place where every child can excel.
Rachael Howell, Chief Executive Officer of The Stour Academy Trust:
It has been a highly transformative decade for Lansdowne Primary School, who can now cement their place as an exceptional school for children in the local community. Our commitment as a Trust to removing barriers to learning for all children has been recognised in the report, and we are excited to see the children at Lansdowne thrive as we prepare them for success in their futures.
You can read the full report on Lansdowne’s website at www.lansdowne.kent.sch.uk
