Oakwood Primary School in St Albans receives good Ofsted rating

Oakwood Primary School was rated as good in all areas after its latest inspection report was published on September 17.

Headteacher Anna Thompson said: “Is a positive outcome that represents the hard work that the pupils, staff and governors have done.”

Outdoor learning for Oakwood pupils (Image: Oakwood Primary School)

Ofsted found that "pupils are well behaved from early years up, and that staff “empower pupils, and in return, there is mutual respect for everyone”.

The report highlights how pupils “have a strong understanding of why discrimination is wrong and the importance of respecting cultures and religions."

It went on to say: “Pupils develop into polite and well-rounded young people.”

Teamwork at Oakwood Primary School (Image: Oakwood Primary School)

Ms Thompson added: “We are happy that Ofsted recognised the good behaviour and respect that our pupils have for one another.”

Ofsted examined Oakwood’s academic endeavours and concludes that: “Pupils are proud of their learning and achieve high in maths and reading.

“Pupils do very well in national assessments by the end of year six” and “teachers know what to teach, and when, in each subject.”

Ofsted said “pupils are proud of their learning at Oakwood (Image: Oakwood Primary School)

It was also noted that: “Pupils are encouraged to read a wide range of texts that they may not normally choose for themselves.

“This broadens their literary understanding and appreciation” while also “exposing them to rich vocabulary.”

In terms of room for improvement, Ofsted noted that: “Pupils are set work that is not ambitious enough which means that pupils cannot extend their learning further, especially when working independently.”

Science lesson at Oakwood (Image: Oakwood Primary School)

Pupils who struggle with their reading do receive support, however, there are a “few pupils that are not catching up quick enough” because their “interventions are not always precisely linked to the gaps in their phonics knowledge.”

The report concluded by saying that the “governors know the school well” and “staff are positive about working here and the training and support they receive.”