A school in Barrow that has gone from strength to strength under new leadership is celebrating achieving its first-ever good rating by Ofsted.

Chetwynde School, which is part of South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust, was judged good in all areas following the two-day inspection, which covered early years, primary and secondary education.

Steve Jefferson took over the town’s only all-through school as headteacher four years ago and has successfully brought it out of a financial notice to improve and requires improvement grading.

In their latest report published today, Ofsted inspectors praised the way pupils are ‘well supported’ to achieve the high expectations staff have of them and that staff had secure subject knowledge and know pupils well.

“Typically, pupils show a commitment to look after each other,” the report said. “They have good relationships with each other and staff.

“Pupils of all ages are eager to learn beyond the curriculum through the clubs and sporting opportunities that are on offer. This helps pupils to develop their confidence and to strengthen their talents.”

They said pupils of all ages enjoy a ‘calm and orderly’ atmosphere in lessons and around the site and demonstrate positive attitudes to their learning.

Inspectors also highlighted how the school benefited from the ‘rich insights’ of staff in South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust and the Governors to support and challenge the school to continue to improve.

Mr Jefferson said he was delighted that the hard work of the whole school community staff, pupils, parents and governors had paid off.

“It has all come together and I am so pleased considering the challenges we have faced. The overwhelmingly positive comments in the report reflect where we are now and where we are going. This is a fantastic school and that has now been recognised nationally.”

Chair of Governors John Burgess said: “This is the first time in the school’s history it has achieved ‘good’ and its down to the hard work and dedication of all the staff

“To have only two areas identified for improvement is incredible and we are aware of the work that needs to be done in those areas to elevate the school even further.

“It was particularly pleasing to see the comments about the impeccable behaviour of our pupils as this reflects what we see across the school every day and is a credit to them and their parents.”

Professor Andrew Wren, chief executive of SCMAT, said: “Congratulations to everyone at Chetwynde who has contributed to this impressive report. The town deserves a school like this with its rich tradition and it gives parents a choice of all-through education, which has many benefits.”

Photo: SCMAT Education Advisor Caroline Vernon, Chetwynde Chair of Governors John Burgess, SCMAT CEO Professor Andrew Wren, Chetwynde Headteacher Steve Jefferson, Chetwynde Assistant Headteacher (Teaching and Learning) Jill Robinson, Chetwynde Assistant Headteacher (Behaviour, Welfare and Careers) Dr Helen Polley and Chetwynde Head of Primary Reece Edwards.

Link to Ofsted report – https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50235400