Rayleigh Primary School given second highest Ofsted rating

Rayleigh Primary School, in Love Lane, was visited by inspectors on March 26 and 27 and was given the second highest possible rating.

Although the school was rated as “good”, the early years provision was handed an “outstanding” rating with children in the nursery and reception years demonstrating “highly positive behaviour”.

Inspectors noted pupils at the school are “kind”, “care for others” and “achieve highly”.

It was the school’s first full inspection since 2008 when it was rated “outstanding” across the board.

Jen Cole, assistant head of Rayleigh Primary School, said: “We take absolute pride in providing our wonderful children with a holistic, whole-child educational experience from nursery all the way through to Year 6.

“There’s always such a happy buzz around learning – in lessons, out and about on trips and in enrichment clubs, their enthusiasm and smiles say it all.”

The report highlighted pupils’ wide-ranging extra-curricular activities, including regional competitions, performances, and music lessons.

It found that these experiences “equip pupils well for the future”.

On the topic of academic achievements, inspectors were impressed with the results, pointing out that “outcomes at key stage 2 in mathematics are some of the highest in the country”.

Reading and writing outcomes at key stage 2 were also reported as “exceptionally high”.

Despite the “good” rating, Ofsted inspectors identified areas for improvement.

They found that “in some areas of the curriculum, the knowledge pupils learn does not build precisely on prior learning”.

As a result, they recommend refining these areas of the curriculum further.

Teachers also received commendations for their commitment to the welfare of the pupils.

Headteacher Jennifer Milner and the leadership team were lauded for their “unwavering commitment to nurturing highly knowledgeable, global citizens” and creating a culture of celebration within the school.