Martins Wood celebrates latest Ofsted report
Martins Wood Primary School has been praised by Ofsted for making significant improvements to give children an ambitious, inclusive education.
The school, in Stevenage, got the “green light” in its latest inspection, achieving the expected standard across all seven areas. According to the new Ofsted framework, this is a high standard and means that the school is doing everything it should be doing.
Martins Wood was placed in special measures in 2021 and joined Ivy Learning Trust the following year. The school community has worked tirelessly to ensure that children get the education they deserve, with outcomes improving across the board.
In the Ofsted report, published this month, inspectors said: “Leaders have made significant improvements to the school, especially with regard to safeguarding, behaviour and the curriculum. They are unwavering in their drive to raise standards further. Leaders set clear expectations that all pupils will succeed, regardless of need or circumstance. Staff also take time and care to get to know all pupils’ wishes and feelings so that they are better able to help them succeed at school.”
The report added: “Pupils talk very positively about their school. Recent changes that leaders have made ensure that pupils behave well, learn successfully and are kept safe. They make friends here and are well cared for by staff who are ambitious for what they can achieve. Calm and orderly classrooms support pupils to learn well.”
Inspectors praised the school for successfully filling gaps in older children’s learning and making sure that disadvantaged pupils are not left behind. The number of pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined in the KS2 SATs has increased by nearly 30% over the last three years.
The report said: “Pupils have a solid understanding of key knowledge across all curriculum subjects. This helps them to be ready for future learning at secondary school. Leaders ensure that the learning in early years is ambitious. Children learn how to sustain concentration, become independent and take turns. They are safe, busy and happy young learners.”
Zoe Phillips, Executive Headteacher at Martins Wood, said: “This marks an important moment for Martins Wood Primary School, and we are incredibly proud of the journey our school community has been on. The report reflects the dedication, resilience, and hard work shown by our staff over the past few years. Their commitment to providing the very best for our children has been unwavering, and we are pleased to see this recognised.”
Hannah Taylor, Head of School at Martins Wood, added: “The children at Martins Wood demonstrate our values every day in the way they care for one another, approach challenges, and take pride in their learning. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to what comes next, building on our strengths and continuing to ensure that every child thrives.”
Matthew Kleiner-Mann, CEO of Ivy Learning Trust, said: “Martins Wood has been on an inspirational journey. The school is now an ambitious, caring and inclusive place for children to learn and grow, and we are delighted that this has been recognised by Ofsted. The school has a strong team of dedicated and committed staff, leaders and governors who work passionately to give children the education they deserve, and we are looking forward to its continuing success.”