St Felix Roman Catholic Primary School in Haverhill moves from an ‘inadequate’ to ‘good’ Ofsted rating

‘Hard work’ and a real ‘team effort’ has resulted in a school moving up from being rated as ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted to now being graded as ‘good’ across the board.

In early 2023 St Felix Roman Catholic Primary School, in School Lane, Haverhill had its overall effectiveness given the inadequate rating by Ofsted inspectors, although the behaviours, attitudes and personal development were all considered ‘good’.

Inspectors noted that the 261-pupil school has ‘serious weaknesses in its curriculum’, adding that there was ‘significant work still to do to ensure that pupils receive an acceptable standard of education’.

Now though, following a two-day inspection in June, the education watchdog has deemed the school - part of the Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Multi Academy Trust - to be good.

The school’s headteacher, Andi Dodds, said: “We are absolutely delighted.

“For us we have been looking back towards the previous Ofsted and now we can look forward and all these things we wanted to do and started doing, we can take them to the next level.”

Inspectors said that the school had ‘markedly improved the quality of the curriculum’, adding that ‘reading is a strength’ and that it ‘swiftly identifies the needs of pupils with SEND’.

Mrs Dodds pointed out that the Trust has been really supportive of the school and that maintaining good pupil behaviour and a ‘harmonious’ environment has provided the foundation to its improvements.

She added: “This has been really hard for the school, the last 19 months, but everyone has really come together to make sure we are moving forward with care and love.

“No one person has made the difference here, this is absolutely a team effort.”

Flavio Vettese, CEO of the trust, said: "I'm delighted that Ofsted has recognised the tremendous work of all the staff, governors and trust in the recent inspection.

"The hard work and commitment shown to ensure a rapid improvement is admirable.

"The school provided an ambitious and well organised curriculum and as further stated in the report pupils appreciated the well embedded Catholic ethos where everyone is genuinely nurtured and encouraged to reach their full potential."