Future’s bright for ambitious Angmering primary

Earlier this year, Ofsted said St Wilfrid’s Catholic Primary School, in Arundel Road, ‘required improvement’ – a rating defined by the education watchdog as ‘not yet a good school, but it is not inadequate’.

However, following its first monitoring inspection since the report, St Wilfrid’s has proven it is well on the road to becoming a good school.

Inspector Amanda Gard gave a glowing verdict of the school’s numerous improvements since the previous inspection.

In a letter to head teacher Sharon Reynolds, Mrs Gard praised staff and governors for having an ‘ambitious’ vision of St Wilfrid’s future.

“Since the school’s inspection in May, 2014, you have worked relentlessly to make the necessary improvements,” she said. “You are setting high standards and making sure all staff are working together towards shared goals.

“Teachers say they feel empowered by the open and supportive ethos which you have created in the school.

“The staff team is right behind you.

“Your action plan focuses on exactly the right areas for improvement.

“Your helpful programmes for monitoring and staff meetings show precisely what you will do in order to reach your targets.”

The inspector also highlighted a ‘stronger focus on raising pupil achievement’, praising senior leaders at the school for setting challenging targets for pupils.

She also noted the important role that the primary’s ‘Working with Others’ scheme had on developing pupils’ independence and teamwork skills.