Dear Parents/Carers and children,  

I am writing to share the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection, which I am delighted to say has seen the school achieve ‘strong standard’ and ‘expected standard’ gradings across the board.

• The ‘strong standard’ grading in early years, inclusion, and personal development and wellbeing marks out excellent, consistent work that’s making a real difference for children. 
• Achieving ‘expected standard’ in attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, and leadership and governance is a high standard defined by Ofsted as the school doing everything that it should be doing, where children are receiving everything they need and deserve.

You can find the full Ofsted report attached and on Ofsted’s website at https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/149649. You can also find highlights of the report on the school’s website at: Ofsted Report Card – Much Wenlock Primary School and Nursery

You may be aware that the Ofsted inspection framework has recently changed, and this is the first time that the school has received the new-look report card. If you would like to find out more about the new report cards, you may find these resources from Ofsted useful: 

New Ofsted report cards and grades: a guide for parents (YouTube)  

Ofsted report cards (Easy Read PDF) 

I am incredibly proud to be the headteacher of our wonderful school. Over the past two years, we have been on a real journey of improvement, and it means a great deal to see the hard work and dedication of our staff, children and wider community recognised. 

What matters most to me is that this reflects who we are and what we stand for. This is the Wenlock Way. Everything we do centres around our children. We are committed to unlocking potential and empowering every child to thrive, and that comes through an ambitious, carefully designed curriculum; rich opportunities beyond the classroom; a strong focus on oracy and pupil voice and creating a culture where every child feels a genuine sense of belonging and is fully included, supported and able to succeed.

What matters most to me is that this shines through so clearly – that our children feel heard, that they know they matter, and that they have actively shaped what we have created here. We work hard to ensure every child is known as an individual and that barriers are recognised and removed so that all children can access the same opportunities. This has taken an enormous amount of thought, care and hard work to build something that is truly special for our young people – from giving children the very best start in the early years, to improving outcomes year on year, to providing enrichment and experiences that help every child discover their strengths.

We believe every child deserves the very best education. Every child deserves to be heard, to be challenged and to be celebrated – regardless of their starting point or circumstance. That is what we have worked hard to achieve, and what we will continue to strive for. 

Of course, we are proud of this recognition, but we are not complacent. Complacency is the enemy of progress. We are absolutely committed to continuing this positive trajectory and ensuring that we keep getting better for our children, our families and our community.

None of the decisions we have made have ever been about inspection. They have always been about doing what is right for our children, our team and our community. It hasn’t been easy – this has taken resilience, determination and a huge amount of collective effort. 

I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside our staff team. Education is not a 9 to 5 job, and this improvement has only been possible because people have gone above and beyond every single day – building relationships, giving their time, and creating something that children feel proud to be part of.

I often say to our team – don’t be a drain, be a radiator. Bring energy, positivity and a can-do attitude. That spirit runs right through our school.

We are proud of our heritage, proud of our community and excited for the future. There is something really special here – a real sense of belonging, a shared belief in our children and, I would say, a little bit of Wenlock magic.

Thank you as always for the support you offer to your children and our wonderful school.

Best wishes,  

Rachel Howell-James 

Executive Headteacher