Langford Primary Rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted

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Sands End school's 'inspirational' team praised by inspectors

Staff, parents and pupils at Langford Primary in Sands End are celebrating after it was judged an 'Outstanding school' by Ofsted.

Following a recent visit to the school in Gilstead Road, Inspectors have praised the way "inspirational" Headteacher Seamus Gibbons and his team have transformed the academy since it joined United Learning – a national group of schools which includes nearby The Hurlingham Academy – back in 2016.

Inspectors commended staff for creating "an excellent learning environment in which pupils excel in their education" and delivering exceptional teaching across the school.

In particular, the report highlights the school’s "vibrant and enticing curriculum" and the value placed on pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

This is part of the school’s commitment to delivering an Education with Character which ensures that pupils are "exceptionally well prepared for the next stage of their learning".

Pupils' attainment and progress levels at the end of Year 6 are likewise very strong – now well above the national average in reading, writing and mathematics.

In addition, Inspectors praised the "impeccable" behaviour of pupils, who were said to take "great pride in their learning" and rise to the consistently high expectations of staff. Parents were likewise overwhelmingly positive about staff’s work and told Inspectors how happy, safe and well looked-after their children were at the school.

The report also commended the high level of support and challenge provided both by governors and by representatives from United Learning, who "ensure that pupils receive the very best teaching".

Headteacher Seamus Gibbons said: "We are delighted to be recognised as an 'Outstanding' school by Ofsted. Over the past few years, we have worked tirelessly to give pupils the very best start to their learning and this report is testament to that, demonstrating just how far we have come.

"I would like to thank the teaching and support staff at Langford for helping to instil the highest standards of behaviour and driving the best academic outcomes – making our school an aspirational place to learn for all pupils and a centre for success."

Darran Ellison-Lee, Primary Director of United Learning, said: "The staff and governors at Langford Primary, led by Seamus Gibbons and his leadership team, rightly deserve the praise and commendations that fill this report.

"Their hard work, creativity and commitment have been integral to the progress that has been made over the past three years and which was so visible to the Inspectors during their visit. We would like to thank and congratulate pupils, staff and parents on everything that the school is achieving."

Langford Primary, a large Victorian school originally constructed in 1889 joined United Learning and became an academy in January 2016. United Learning's schools across the country include nearby secondary Hurlingham Academy in Peterborough Road.

You can read the Ofsted Report in full here .

February 8, 2019