Polegate School staff thrilled after ‘outstanding’ Ofsted report

The primary school in Oakleaf Drive, Polegate, is the first in East Sussex to be judged outstanding by education bosses since the introduction of the new Ofsted framework, the school said.

Claire Martin-O’Donoghue, headteacher, said she was ‘exceptionally proud’ – particularly because pupils have continued to achieve exceptionally well despite significant building work going on. The school has been undergoing renovations as part of its expansion to accommodate an additional 120 pupils.

Mrs Martin-O’Donoghue said: “The focus has absolutely been on providing our children with the very best learning experiences and the quality of education has remained a priority reflecting our very strong sense of community and partnership with parents because they too have needed to be flexible and yet they have remained positive and supportive and I would like to thank them for this.”

Inspectors noted that pupils were cheerful, kind and welcoming. One told inspectors: “It’s really easy to make friends at Polegate.”

Pupils told inspectors that they were extremely proud of their school and appreciated the many ‘varied and exciting opportunities they are given’.

The Ofsted report said staff used many different approaches to help develop a real sense of belonging. It said the vision for what pupils can achieve at the school was ‘limitless’.

The report added: “There is an infectious appetite of high expectations, complemented by the care and consideration shown by the whole school community.

“This ensures that the experience for every pupil is the very best it can be.”

The school was rated outstanding in all of the four new categories which include: Quality of Education; Behaviour and Attitudes; Personal Development and Leadership and Management.

Mrs Martin-O’Donoghue said she and staff were proud and thrilled following the outstanding rating, however they recognised that progress did not stop there.

“We are aiming for beyond outstanding to exceptional, we are always striving to be better and improve. Nothing will change that – we are never complacent,” added Mrs Martin-O’Donoghue.

The school was rated ‘good’ at its last Ofsted inspection.