A headteacher has praised the hard work of children, staff and families after his church school was praised by Ofsted inspectors.
Following a visit to St Ceolwulf’s Church of England First School at Norham, near Berwick, the education watchdog has upgraded the school from ‘requires improvement’ in its previous inspection report in 2022, to ‘good’ in all areas.
In a new report, published following the latest inspection in October 2024, Ofsted inspectors concluded: “Pupils are safe, happy and educated well at this small and rural first school. Relationships between pupils, their families and their teachers are caring and supportive. Adults who work in the school know every pupil well. Any worries that pupils have are picked up quickly and sorted out effectively.
“There has been a sea change in all aspects of this school’s work since the last inspection. Parents and carers recognise and appreciate the improvements that the school has made. A typical comment, echoing the views of many, was, ‘A lot of change has gone on at the school over the last couple of years and it has improved immensely.’”
The report said pupils are steeped in the school’s Christian values and are well behaved, polite and courteous. They achieve well in the core subjects of English, maths and science, while the new curriculum is working to develop progress in all subjects.
Inspectors praised the provision for children with special educational needs and / or disabilities (SEND), stating that it “helps these pupils to learn well”.
The report added: “Leaders have overseen rapid school improvement since the last inspection. Shared curriculum leadership has impacted positively on staff’s well-being and workload. Members of the governing body give of their time generously. They fulfil their statutory duties diligently.”
The school is part of the Tweed Learning Federation. This started on 1 September this year following a successful partnership between St Ceolwulf's and St Mary's Church of England First School at Berwick, the previous year.
Gary Hilton, who is headteacher at both schools, said: “Since taking over the school two years ago, the children, staff and families have worked tirelessly to create a happy, inclusive and very successful community school.
“This report highlights all the work that has taken place and demonstrates how small rural communities can have a real impact on the future outcomes of their children. I could not be more proud of all in the school for their achievements, with the inspector best summing up my feelings in her comment 'The school offers exceptional care for its pupils.'"