The Cambridgeshire school that students are ‘immensely proud’ to be part of

The school has taken a leap forward with an improved rating

A Cambridgeshire school that children feel “immensely proud” to be a part of has been praised by Ofsted in its latest inspection. Elm C of E Primary School, on Main Road in Elm caters to children aged between two and 11, according to the education watchdog.

At current, there are 228 children on its roll. In 2022, the school was rated as ‘good’ overall by Ofsted. However it was rated ‘strong standard’ and ‘expected standard’ in its most recent inspection report published on July 2.

The school received a ‘strong standard’ rating in four areas. These areas are: attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion and leadership and governance.

In the categories early years, personal development and wellbeing and achievement, the school was handed an ‘expected standard’ rating.

The report said: “Pupils are immensely proud to be part of their school community. They feel safe, valued and well supported. Pupils experience a strong sense of belonging and trust in adults across the school. They know that if they need help or are struggling with an aspect of learning or wellbeing there is always an adult who will respond and provide guidance.

“Pupils consistently meet staff’s high expectations for attendance and behaviour. They attend well. Pupils benefit from consistent routines that lead to calm and purposeful classrooms. This helps them focus, concentrate and learn effectively. Pupils approach learning with confidence. As they progress through the school, they develop high expectations of themselves.”

Inspectors praised the school for teaching an “ambitious and well-sequenced curriculum” which “encourages pupils to achieve well”. In addition, teachers were found to “meticulously check that pupils have grasped new learning, so pupils know what they understand and what they need to practice”.

Staff at the school say they “relish the challenge of guiding children through life” and offer a “unique experience for the children” and “the richest learning opportunities”, according to its website.

Elm C of E Primary School were approached for comment.