Pupils excel at “Outstanding” primary school in Stalybridge

A TAMESIDE primary school has been praised by inspectors after retaining its “Outstanding” rating.

Ofsted declared that pupils at Millbrook Primary School in Stalybridge “thoroughly enjoy attending school and they shine in all that they do” and “rise to the school’s exceptionally high expectations for their learning and achievement. They excel.”

The quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; and leadership and management were all rated as outstanding. Attendance rates are high.

The inspectors also noted that pupils “fully embody the school’s values of being respectful, resilient and collaborative” and “relish every opportunity to learn.”

They described the children’s behaviour as exemplary, said they treat each other with kindness and respect and were equally attentive in lessons, and that there is a calm and orderly atmosphere that enables pupils to focus exceptionally well on their learning.

The curriculum was described as “expertly designed” and “inspirational” and pupils take full advantage of the vast array of enrichment activities that the school provides for them beyond the academic curriculum.

The inspectors added: “A strength of this school is the highly effective way in which staff are skilled at adapting the delivery of the curriculum for pupils with SEND. Staff also enable these pupils to develop their independence. The school ensures that pupils with SEND progress extremely well through the curriculum.”

Headteacher Elizabeth Turner said: “This inspection has been a long time coming and I am thrilled that Ofsted has recognised that the education and care provided at Millbrook Primary and Nursery School remains outstanding. This is a significant achievement and the result of a lot of hard work from the Millbrook team. I could not be prouder of the whole school community.”

Tameside Council Executive Member for Education, Achievement and Equalities Councillor Leanne Feeley said: “Congratulations to everyone at Millbrook Primary School for yet again being rated as outstanding. I’m delighted that Ofsted recognised the school’s many attributes and achievements; it’s a fantastic place with outstanding leadership, staff, and pupils who all work together to reach their potential.

“The school is a blueprint for standards of education and development in Tameside.”  

Ofsted inspectors visited Millbrook at the beginning of December with their recently published report now available to read on the school’s website at www.millbrook.tameside.sch.uk.