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May 2023

Last Updated: 09/05/2023

Education

Ripley school rated 'good' by Ofsted for first time in eight years

by John Grainger

| 09 May, 2023

North Yorkshire Council’s assistant director for education and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson (centre), with the school’s interim co-executive headteacher, Miss Victoria Kirkman (left), and Helen Smith (right), a member of the interim executive board, celebrate the school’s Ofsted rating with pupils and staff.

Staff and pupils at a primary school judged 'inadequate' by Ofsted 18 months ago are celebrating after it was given a glowing report following its latest inspection.

Ofsted inspectors visited Ripley Endowed Church of England School in March and their report, published today, rates the village school 'good' in all areas.

The new assessment marks a sea-change in the school’s fortunes and is the result of radical measures to bring it up to the required standard.

Victoria Kirkman, who was appointed interim co-executive headteacher last year, said she was "proud" of the new rating. She added:

“Since my commencement at the federation, the sole focus has been rapid school transformation. The implementation of robust systems, processes and a curriculum that meets the needs of all children whilst focusing on high levels of pastoral care has ensured success.

“Children have only one chance at an education, and I am delighted that now, the children of Ripley Endowed Church of England School will succeed and have far greater life chances.”

Having been consistently rated 'good', the school received three consecutive 'requires improvement' assessments in 2015, 2017 and 2019.

At its last full inspection in November 2021, it was rated 'inadequate' – the lowest of all ratings – in a report that was highly critical of its quality of education, leadership and early years provision.

The rating meant the school, which has space for 90 pupils but currently only has 33, was placed in special measures.

As a result, North Yorkshire County Council drafted in an interim executive board (IEB) and new staff were hired, including Miss Kirkman, who is also executive headteacher at Admiral Long CE Primary School in Burnt Yates and Birstwith CE Primary School, which were both inspected and rated 'good' by Ofsted last year, and at Beckwithshaw Primary School which was rated 'inadequate' last spring.

Ripley Primary School’s progress was noted at a monitoring inspection in November 2022, but today’s report is seen as concrete acknowledgement that the school has been turned around. The report rates the school 'good' across the board, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. It states:

“Leaders are relentless in their drive to support pupils to achieve their best and have designed a curriculum which broadens pupils’ horizons.

"Pupils enjoy their lessons. They pay close attention to adults. There is little or no disruption, which means pupils are able to concentrate well.”

It also quotes a parent, who said the new leadership’s “unbelievable enthusiasm has spread amongst teachers, pupils and parents”.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said:

“I am thrilled that Ripley Primary School is now an educational establishment where children can flourish. We, as the local authority, are committed to continue developing the best possible provision for the pupils and will work tirelessly to build on these successes.”

Robert Ling, who was drafted in as the chair of the IEB, said:

“Since the IEB came into force in February 2022, it’s been a real team effort and I would like to thank members of the IEB for their commitment in turning things around.

“We are immensely grateful and proud of everything we have achieved in such a short period of time and I hope the school’s journey of improvement continues. Ripley Endowed Church of England School is part of a federation of three schools - Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary and Beckwithshaw Community Primary School.

"However, I would also like to express my gratitude to Killinghall Primary School, Admiral Long School and Birstwith C of E Primary School, for their continued support in the remarkable journey that this federation has taken.

"Finally, a huge thank you to the parents and carers for your continued support of the school, especially during the past 18 months, which have been challenging for everyone.”

Rebecca Foy, the school’s interim co-executive headteacher and special educational needs co-ordinator, was also delighted by Ripley's transformation. She said:

“We are absolutely thrilled with our result. It reflects the hard work, high expectations and dedication of the staff team to our children and families.

“We would like to thank parents and carers whose unwavering support to school life at Ripley, along with the wider community, has been a key factor in making us a positive and ambitious school and, of course, our wonderful children who we are immensely proud of.”

Maxie Schiffmann and Ellie Allen, co-chairs of the school's Parent Teacher Association (PTA), told The Stray Ferret:

"We are absolutely delighted with this report. All staff, governors, parents and pupils have worked incredibly hard to improve this fantastic village school and we have created a very tight community during this journey. We look forward to welcoming many more pupils to this wonderful school."

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Ripley school rated 'good' by Ofsted for first time in eight years

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