Education

School’s fortunes are looking up

Staff are celebrating at St Andrew’s Cof E Primary School in Fontmell Magna, following news that Ofsted has moved them out of special measures.

The school was rated as ‘Inadequate’ in 2016 and after that saw 15 different headteachers appointed who then resigned, which was hugely disruptive to pupils.

The Sherborne Area Schools’ Trust (SAST) took over the school in 2020 and appointed current headteacher Debbie Brown in 2021.

Ofsted praised them saying this has ‘created stability in the school’ and that since they have taken over ‘leaders have high expectations…they have strived to re-establish a positive learning environment for pupils’.

Ofsted added that ‘pupils are receiving a broad and balanced curriculum in every key stage’ and ‘pupils are rightly at the heart of everything that is done in the school’. Music and sport were highlighted as important features, with the inspector saying, ‘despite the school being smaller than the averagesized school, sports teams are very successful’.

Headteacher Debbie Brown said: “We are delighted to share the news that we are no longer a ‘Special Measures’ school! The report is full of comments about the positive progress that has been made over the last year and demonstrates that our plans for further improvement are on the right track. We are lucky to have incredible staff and families supporting our school, ensuring it is fantastic learning environment for our children”.

SAST chief executive Colin Sinclair said: “We are incredibly proud of Debbie and her team in Fontmell Magna – they have worked tirelessly to transform nearly every aspect of the school, with support from our School Improvement team. This Ofsted report reflects what a rapidly improving school St Andrew’s now is – it is not easy to turn round a school in special measures but the team have done just that, putting the children first and giving them the best opportunities to thrive”.

St Andrew’s Primary School in Fontmell Magna has moved out of special measures.

Star names at summit

Speakers including acclaimed children’s author Michael Rosen (above), the Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage, and a host of education pioneers provided fresh insight and inspiration for teachers and service providers from all areas of the education sector at the 2022 Bryanston Education Summit.

Jemima hot-footing it to dance school

Talented dancer Jemima S (above) of Sexey’s School, Bruton, is swapping her final A-level year for a place at the prestigious Rambert School in Twickenham, London.

The Year 12 student has been accepted onto the BA Hons Degree in Ballet and Contemporary Dance at Britain’s oldest dance company.

“I would like to say a big thank you to Mrs Cullen and all the staff at Sexey’s who have supported me throughout my training over the last five years,” said Jemima.

“I am really looking forward to starting my next chapter this September, so once again thank you to everyone!”

Rambert School plays a key part in the professional dance sector, shaping new generations of dance professionals. Alumni dance at high-profile companies around the world.

Graduates include some of the significant contemporary British choreographers including Frederick Ashton, Arielle Smith, Antony Tudor and Christopher Bruce, and have found success with their own companies, such as Mark Bruce Company and The London Ballet Company.

Rambert graduates have been nominated for Olivier awards, Golden Globes and won accolades such as BBC Young Dancer, Critics’ Circle Dance awards and Tony awards.

HORSINGTON CHURCH SCHOOL OPEN AFTERNOON

Thursday 30th June 1:30pm - 3pm Come and see our school on a normal teaching day, explore our outdoor learning areas, talk to parents and meet the Headteacher. There will be refreshments available throughout the afternoon. Horsington Church School, Horsington, Templecombe, Somerset, BA8 0BW www.horsingtonbwmat.org office@horsingtonbwmat.org 01963 370358