Feversham Primary Academy, on Harewood Street, Barkerend, was rated ‘outstanding’ in quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision following an Ofsted inspection on June 24 and 25.
Feversham is part of the Lift Schools multi-academy trust.
Naveed Idrees, headteacher of Feversham Primary Academy (Image: Newsquest)
Speaking about the school being described as an “oasis of joy and hope”, headteacher Naveed Idrees said: “This comment was particularly pleasing for us. We’re very delighted with the report.”
Inspectors said: “Pupils flourish at this warm and welcoming school. There is a calm and purposeful atmosphere where pupils thrive. A respectful culture permeates the school.”
Mr Idrees said: “We produce fully rounded citizens who experience joy in life and bring joy to others.
“Our focus is on life skills. We want the children to leave primary school and remember it as being the best time of your life.”
Inspectors also described pupils’ behaviour as “exemplary”.
They said: “Pupils respond to the consistently high expectations set by staff.
“They demonstrate resilient and productive attitudes to learning. They take pride in their work, concentrate well and present their learning to a high standard.
“Leaders have a highly ambitious vision for all pupils to be the best they can be. This vision is realised through pupils’ commitment to learning. They are polite, respectful and work hard. Pupils thrive in lessons, regardless of their background or starting points.”
Mr Idrees said: “We’re in a disadvantaged area and a lot of our children don’t have many experiences, so we try to give that to them.
“We have music, drama, dance, and arts specialists in our school. We focus on the full child.
“The arts are the antidote to poor mental health. Creative people have more chance of connecting, and they’re happier.
“We don’t want to kill the joy of learning. It’s not all literacy and maths, but our results still speak for themselves. They are in the top 10 per cent of schools in the country.”
Inspectors also said: “Pupils are well prepared for their next steps.
“The school is making a clear, positive difference to the pupils and community it serves.
“The school is held in high regard by the trust and the wider community.
“Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the school.”
Mr Idrees said the school’s role is “more than education”.
“We give a lot back to the community which shows we care,” he added.
“To have their school recognised as outstanding brings a hint of pride to the community and residents.”