David Mordue, Headteacher; Sarah Howes, Deputy Headteacher; and pupils at the school.
Bishop Ian Ramsey Church of England Primary School has received a ‘good’ Ofsted rating with ‘outstanding’ areas following a recent Ofsted inspection in March 2024.
The Ofsted report is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of staff, pupils, and the wider school community, turning around the report from the previous inspection.
Headteacher David Mordue said: “The report is immensely positive and reflects the significant progress we have made as a school in recent years. We are thrilled that Ofsted have recognised the strengths of our school and, in their words, the 'astounding turnaround' which has taken place since the previous inspection in 2018.”
The report highlighted numerous strengths across the school, which is within the Diocese of Durham, including two areas of the school that were rated as ‘outstanding’.
Areas of Strength
The ‘outstanding’ areas and key strengths of the school noted by Ofsted were Behaviour and Attitudes and Leadership and Management.
Pupils in the school were praised for their excellent behaviour, positive learning environment, and a strong sense of community.
The new leadership team and the support of the Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Learning Trust were recognised in the Ofsted report as well. Leaders were praised for their clear vision, ambition, and commitment to staff development. Ofsted noted that leaders’ expertise is evident across lessons with pupils.
In addition to the ‘outstanding’ areas, Ofsted has noted strengths are also evident in curriculum, early years provision, pupil achievement and development, SEND, and relationships between pupils and staff.
The report acknowledges the ambitious and well-tailored curriculum that equips pupils with the knowledge and skills they need for future success. Along with the curriculum, the unique culture and community feel of the school was a standout strength.
Headteacher David Mordue added: “We are extremely proud of this very positive outcome, which is a testament to the care and commitment of our staff, Academy Council and Trust, the support of our parents and carers, and of course, a celebration of our wonderful children.
"We want to thank every member of the school; our dedicated and caring staff team, fantastic children, supportive parents and our Academy Council and Trust. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure Bishop Ian Ramsey remains such a great place for children to learn."
About Bishop Ian Ramsey Church of England Primary School
Bishop Ian Ramsey Church of England Primary School is a community school founded on Christian beliefs. The school prides itself on encouraging and supporting all children to be happy, active and independent learners, to develop as individuals who respect themselves and others, with strong foundations that will enable them to continue to grow as good citizens.
Bishop Ian Ramsey has school places available! If anyone is interested in learning more about the school, they are encouraged to visit the website here or contact the school via email: admin@birmedomsley.co.uk or by calling 01207 560 235.
Bishop Ian Ramsey is proud to be a part of the Durham & Newcastle Diocesan Learning Trust, a Multi-Academy Trust consisting of 18 schools. More information about the Trust can be found on its website here
The 18 schools within the Trust are:
● Bishop Ian Ramsey CofE Primary
● Bishopton Redmarshall CofE Primary
● Egglescliffe CofE Primary
● Heighington CofE Primary
● Holy Trinity CofE Primary
● Ingleton CofE Primary
● Stanhope Barrington CofE Primary
● St Aidan’s CofE Memorial Primary
● St Mary’s CofE Primary
● St John’s CofE Academy
● St George’s CofE Academy
● Cleadon CofE Academy
● Northern Saints CofE Academy
● Newbrough CofE Primary
● Ward Jackson CofE Primary
● Green Lane CofE Primary
● Wark CofE Primary
● St Aidan’s (Gateshead) CofE Primary