Kentmere Primary School - from inadequate to outstanding in four years

Kentmere Primary School has been rated outstanding in all areas by Oftsed, just three years after being deemed inadequate and placed in special measures (in 2015 the school broke  away from the local authority to become part of the Wardle Trust).  

Ofsted judged it to be an outstanding school with a ‘culture of excellence’ lying at the heart of all that happens.  

Mrs Sarah Isberg, the headteacher, was praised for her ambitious and determined leadership ensuring the highest expectations of all pupils and staff.  High quality leadership and teaching was seen to permeate the school. 

Pupils’ attainment had risen dramatically and they typically achieved higher standards than others nationally.  The pupils were confident and motivated and behaved extremely well.

All children from Year One upwards benefited from a rich and varied set of learning experiences.

Mrs Isberg said|: "I am thrilled by the outstanding outcome, and incredibly proud of the remarkable journey the school has come on from special measures to outstanding in four years.

"I would like to thank our dedicated team and the school community for all their hard work and support.

"We shall now continue to deliver the highest standard of education for our children and enjoy seeing them succeed."

The school has undergone a sustained period of rapid improvement.  In 2016, it was one of the highest achieving primary schools in the country and the highest nationally in its category.  In 2017, it featured in the Times Best Schools list.

Graham Wright, CEO of Wardle Trust, said, "When I first got involved with the school it immediately became clear that the school's leadership and staff, led by Mrs Isberg, were intent on the best for the children in their charge and nothing was going to stop them. 

"Despite the challenges on the way there has been a steadfast resolution from all staff and governors that nothing but the highest standards were good enough. 

"I would like to congratulate all involved as the children are the real winners."

It is unusual for Ofsted to rate a school outstanding in all areas, as well as for one to move from the lowest to the highest Ofsted category so quickly.

The Wardle Academy Trust is a small multi-academy trust consisting of four schools in Rochdale, Wardle Academy, Kentmere Academy, St Andrew’s C E Primary School and St James’ C E Primary School. They operate independently of the LA and are funded directly by the Department for Education.