Orchid Vale Primary School rated Good by Ofsted

‘Clear vision’ for school praised by inspectors. “Pupils’ pride in their school shines through” - Ofsted Report

Orchid Vale Primary School in Swindon is proud to announce that the school has achieved a ‘Good’ rating in its recent Ofsted inspection report. The school had been rated as 'Inadequate' when last inspected in January 2020.  

The school has been praised for its “clear vision” with inspectors describing Orchid Vale Primary School as “welcoming and inclusive”. They also noted that “Pupils’ pride in their school shines through. There is a positive and respectful culture throughout the school” and “High expectations for behaviour are established right from the start”.

Inspectors found that parents are positive about the school and say that staff are welcoming and approachable.

Staff were also described as ambitious for pupils to do well and the curriculum has been redesigned since the school joined The Park Academies Trust in 2020.   

CEO of The Park Academies Trust, Benedick Ashmore-Short said: “We are thrilled that Orchid Vale School has been given a well-deserved ‘Good’ rating by Ofsted. We’re all very proud of the dedication and hard work of our staff and governors but also our pupils and their families. We are committed to providing a high-quality education at all the schools within the Trust and we will continue to make improvements and set expectations which encourage all our pupils to excel.”

Orchid Vale Primary School Head Teacher, Ruth Lee, said: ”All of us at Orchid Vale are delighted that the Ofsted inspectors praised the welcoming and inclusive nature of our school and highlighted the focus on giving our children an excellent, ambitious education. Being awarded a Good rating reflects all the improvements that have been successfully put in place. Most importantly, the inspection team saw the pride that our pupils have in their school and this rewarding outcome will make us all even prouder of our children and their families who support them.”   

The report also found that pupils with special educational needs (SEND) get the support and resources they need, with staff supporting pupils in lessons.

Inspectors also pointed out that the school leadership has a focus on professional development for staff. The Park Academies Trust prides itself on helping staff feel supported and offers a variety of career progression opportunities within the Trust.  

The team of Ofsted inspectors visited the school on 12 and 13 September 2023. 

Orchid Vale Primary School joined The Park Academies Trust (TPAT) in September 2020. 

In January 2020 in its final inspection before it joined TPAT the school was rated as ‘Inadequate’.