North Worcester Primary Academy receives a ‘Good’ Ofsted Rating
North Worcester Primary Academy, the newest addition to the educational landscape in Worcester, is thrilled to announce it has achieved a ‘Good’ rating in its first Ofsted inspection. This is a great achievement for a school that opened in 2019 and is still in a period of growth.
The school was inspected by Ofsted on 6th and 7th February 2024 and was judged to be ‘Good’ across all key areas; the quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; leadership and management, and early years provision.
A journey of growth and excellence
Since opening, North Worcester Primary Academy has been on an inspiring journey of growth and excellence. Leaders and staff have nurtured a vibrant and ambitious learning environment for its pupils in pre-school through to Year 4. The school will continue to grow in the next few years as children gradually move through into year 5 and 6.
Ofsted praised the happy ethos of the school stating that, “Pupils are friendly and happy in school. They enjoy learning...Relationships between staff and pupils are positive.”
The curriculum was recognised for enabling pupils to progress from pre-school upwards. “The early years curriculum provides a firm foundation for children to build their early essential knowledge and skills. Learning is active and fun and children achieve well.”
“From the outset, staff ensure the curriculum focuses on promoting children’s language and communication skills, alongside their physical and social development. This helps prepare children well for Year 1 and beyond.”
Teachers were acknowledged for their adaptability to meet each pupil's needs. “Teachers regularly check what pupils know and remember in all subjects. They adapt their teaching where consolidation or further input is required.”
Staff were also praised in the report for their enthusiasm and dedication to making the school a success. “Staff are overwhelmingly positive about working at North Worcester Primary. They feel supported and valued. They feel well looked after and want to stay at the school.”
Supported by Rivers CofE Academy Trust
North Worcester Primary Academy is proud to be part of the Rivers CofE Academy Trust, a network of 16 schools and a thriving teaching alliance. The trust has a responsibility and oversight for the school and was found to provide “effective support and training for staff.”
The report celebrated the trust-wide curriculum, stating “The school, in collaboration with the trust, has developed a coherent and well-sequenced curriculum”.
Starting from scratch: a triumph of culture and expectations
The Ofsted report commended partnership at the school, “As the school grows, leaders are continuing to build an effective partnership with parents. They have positive views of the school.”
“The school seeks the views of the local community through its advocate group and responds well to feedback provided.”
The report found that, “The school has high expectations of pupils and wants the best for them. This includes for pupils with complex additional needs. Staff work diligently to tailor support to ensure that all pupils achieve well.”
In its early days, North Worcester Primary Academy faced the exciting challenge of building everything from the ground up. The school community—families, teachers, and pupils alike—embarked on a collective mission to create a positive culture, set high expectations, and establish effective routines. The first-year families, many new parents and therefore new to primary education, embraced this journey with enthusiasm, laying the foundation for a now thriving school.
Headteacher’s remarks
Stuart Grimes, Head Teacher of North Worcester Primary Academy since September 2023, expressed his delight at the Ofsted rating saying, “This is a fantastic achievement for our school community. It is a testament to the hard work and passion everyone has in ensuring the children we serve flourish and have the very best experiences.”
A bright future ahead
As North Worcester Primary Academy continues to grow, it remains committed to fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. The school’s vision—“Love, Learn, Live”—captures its aim for every pupil. With a strong foundation and a passionate community, North Worcester is poised to make a lasting impact on the educational landscape of Worcester.