“Pupils thrive” at Mendell Primary School says Ofsted
Mendell Primary School, part of Leading Learners Multi Academy Trust, has received a positive Ofsted report following its latest inspection, with inspectors praising pupils’ “enthusiasm and curiosity” in a school “at the heart of its community”.
The school was judged to have achieved the expected standard across all areas of inspection, and safeguarding standards all met.
Pupil behaviour was praised and given credit for a welcoming atmosphere across the school, where the children were “treating others with kindness and respect.” The school’s early years provision was spotlighted for giving children a positive and enthusiastic start, and inspectors highlighted the strong, inclusive culture across the school in which staff know pupils well and quickly put the right support in place when needed.
Catherine O’Neill Edwards, Headteacher at Mendell Primary School, said: "We are so proud that inspectors recognised the hard work of our staff and the wonderful progress our pupils are making.
"Pupils here feel safe, happy and well cared for, which in turn leads to them looking after each other as well. That is exactly the kind of school community we want Mendell to be, and it means the world to see this report reflects the hard work of our staff, pupils and families in making it a reality.”
Other highlights from the report include:
- Leaders have established an effective early years provision through careful attention to the learning environment and the experiences available to children”
- Pupils achieve well across the curriculum and are ready for the next stage of their education.
- Pupils behave very well and contribute to the welcoming atmosphere across the school.
- Leaders have set a clear and ambitious direction for curriculum and teaching. They ensure that the curriculum is designed well and taught consistently across the school
- Support for pupils and their families helps many pupils to develop resilience and manage challenges successfully. This helps to foster the calm and supportive environment seen throughout the school.
- Pupils benefit from opportunities that raise aspirations and increase their self-belief…Alongside leadership roles and other enrichment opportunities, this prepares pupils well for the next stage of education and for life in modern Britain
- Pupils are proud of their school and enjoy sharing their work.
- [Pupils] benefit from the extensive grounds, including a large field and bushcraft area, which enriches their experiences of school.
School leadership and governance was also highlighted as a particular asset, in particular school leaders’ relationships with families and strong support and challenge from the trust.
Mrs O’Neill Edwards added: "While this report is something for us all to be proud of, we will always continue to look for areas where we can continue to improve. To this end, we already have programmes in place for additional support with attendance, early reading and creating even more opportunities for children to enjoy arts, music and sport. Our children deserve the absolute best and that’s what we will deliver.”
Yvonne Brown, CEO of Leading Learners Multi Academy Trust, said: "This brilliant report is something the whole Mendell community can get behind. Inspectors saw a school where the trust and local leaders work closely together, and where pupils are truly at the heart of everything the school does.
"We are so proud of the staff, pupils and families at Mendell, and we will continue to support the school as it keeps going from strength to strength."
Families with nursery-aged children considering a place at Mendell Primary School for September 2027 are invited to come and see the school for themselves at one of its upcoming open days this autumn. Choose from Forest School on Wednesday 30 September, 9:30–10:30am, Ghoul School on Wednesday 21 October, 1:30–2:30pm or Bonfire Storytime on Wednesday 4 November, 4–5pm.
