Twelve Apostles retains outstanding grade in all areas despite Ofsted crackdown

Last October, MPs voted to remove the rule that previously 'outstanding' schools should be exempt from routine Ofsted inspection, with concerns that some institutions had not been reassessed for more than a decade.

As Ofsted returned to inspections in September 2021, after delays due to coronavirus, the first round of published reports show that more than two in three schools of previously rated outstanding schools have been downgraded following the September inspections.

However, despite the tightening of the inspectorate's framework, Twelve Apostles Catholic Primary School in Leigh have been able to achieve outstanding in every area of their educational provision.

The primary school, on Nel Pan Lane, was inspected on October 13 and 14, with Ofsted saying that pupils "love to attend this most welcoming and nurturing school."

Inspectors added that children enjoy learning because teachers make lessons exciting and are often extremely happy in school, while feeling very safe.

Teachers and leaders are said to have high aspirations for all of the pupils, with their learning going "beyond the scope of the national curriculum in all subjects".

Pupils with special educational needs are also said to be identified early and provided with "exceptional" specialist support, with all other pupils provided with the correct support when needed.

Headteacher of Twelve Apostles, Sheenagh Newton, said: "We have all waited a long time for an OFSTED inspection and were absolutely delighted that we retained our outstanding grade in all areas including Early Years.

"I am so proud that all the staff, children and governors got the recognition that they truly deserved. Our parents are so supportive and the children were a credit to them.

"The quality of education that we provide, day in and day, out is well embedded and we could say with confidence that it is outstanding so to have this confirmed is fantastic."