A SCHOOL has received the results of its first Ofsted inspection since being converted to an academy over ten years ago.

Following a visit from inspectors in July, Penny Bridge CofE School at Greenodd has been marked ‘good’ overall.

(Image: Penny Bridge CE Academy) Ofsted described pupils as ‘happy’ and ‘proud’ to attend the school which was credited with sitting at the heart of its local and wider community.

It was judged to be good across quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, early years provision and ‘outstanding’ for personal development.

Inspectors said pupils are expected to achieve well, which they do, allowing them to leave the school well prepared for the next stage in their education.

(Image: Penny Bridge CE Academy) Pupils are said to be ‘active’ and relish being outdoors, they benefit from a number of extracurricular activities such as biking and rugby and are ‘keen’ keen to complete their daily mile around the school grounds.

As well as a ‘high priority’ on reading, the report highlights the school’s ‘ambitious’ curriculum.

(Image: Penny Bridge CE Academy) Penny Bridge is praised for putting a ‘very high priority’ on pupils’ personal development and encouraging pupils to have a positive impact on the local area.

While the school has ‘well-developed’ approaches to assessment in most subjects, Ofsted said this is not as ‘secure’ in others.

(Image: Penny Bridge CE Academy) Penny Bridge CofE School converted to become an academy in November 2013 and joined The Good Shepherd Multi Academy Trust in May 2022.

Headteacher Graham Carrick said: “We were delighted with the result of the inspection which is a super reflection of all the hard work which has taken place from all the staff, governors and  parents to make this a wonderful place for all our children to learn.

“We are proud of our place in the local community and especially pleased to be judged outstanding for our personal development. We place a huge importance on ensuring our children have the opportunity to take place a wide range of experiences to help them learn and grow and to set them on the journey to become active and respectful members of our society.”