Dixons Marchbank Academy rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted

Dixons Marchbank Primary, on Marchbank Road, Barkerend, has been rated as 'outstanding' in all areas in its latest Ofsted report.

Inspectors - who visited the school towards the end of last year - described it as a "very happy place to learn".

The glowing report said: "Pupils flourish at this exceptional school.

The school was described as 'exceptional' (Image: Newsquest)

"Leaders have established an influential vision, underpinned by 'commitment, enjoyment and teamwork'.

"Leaders consistently model these attributes.

"This motivates everyone in the school to do the same.

"Each adult is an excellent role model for the pupils that they support.

"Adults inspire pupils to be hopeful and ambitious for their futures.

"The school is providing a highly effective pathway for pupils to achieve these ambitions.

"Dixons Marchbank Primary is a very happy place to learn."

More praise for school

The report described behaviour as "exemplary", with pupils treating everyone around them with "utmost respect".

It said the school has an "ambitious curriculum" and added: "They (pupils) talk confidently about the things that they know.

"Pupils discuss the best techniques for blending and shading in art.

"They understand the importance of Julius Caesar to the Roman invasion of Britain.

Ofsted praised the school's 'ambitious curriculum' (Image: Newsquest)

"Pupils fluently use scientific vocabulary to explain their thinking in science.

"They acquire an impressive depth of knowledge across all subjects."

The report said pupils with educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are "flourishing".

"Leaders place no limits on what pupils can do and achieve," it added.

Inspectors were also impressed at how the schools offers "impressive support for families and the wider community", including by working with local providers to offer adult learning programmes.

The school offers 'impressive support for families' (Image: Newsquest)

Headteacher 'so proud'

Helen Haunch, who was principal at Dixons Marchbank Academy at the time of the inspection, was overjoyed with the report.

Helen Haunch with some of the pupils (Image: Submitted)

She said: "The reason we work so hard is for our students - to give them the best opportunities for their future - but it's amazing to have this recognised so highly in this report.

"We are passionate about supporting the well-being of our community, ensuring that our students get an excellent education and providing adapted learning for our children with special educational needs and disabilities, so to have all of this highlighted reinforces the hard work and commitment of everyone in our academy.

"I am so proud of our team."

Dixons Marchbank Academy - which was previously rated 'good' by Ofsted - had 490 pupils aged between three and 11 on the school roll at the time of the inspection.