Bishop Ian Ramsey CofE Primary School, located in Medomsley, County Durham, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The school, which is part of the Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Learning Trust, has shown significant improvements since the establishment of its new leadership team. Under the headship of David Mordue, the school has made notable strides in enhancing the curriculum, pupil outcomes, and the overall school culture. The inspection, conducted on 6 and 7 March 2024, recognized the school for its good quality of education, outstanding behavior and attitudes, and outstanding leadership and management.
The school’s Christian values play a crucial role in shaping the environment, fostering a caring and joyful atmosphere where pupils reflect on these values throughout their day. This has contributed to the positive relationships among pupils, who treat each other with respect. The leadership team has effectively tailored the curriculum to meet the diverse needs of pupils, ensuring that all staff maintain high expectations. The support provided by the trust has been instrumental in this turnaround, allowing for professional development that enhances teaching quality.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive effective support, ensuring their full participation in school life. The school actively involves parents and carers in this process, creating a strong community around the pupils. The on-site forest school has become a popular feature, providing engaging outdoor learning experiences. Relationships between staff and pupils are characterized by mutual respect and understanding, with staff knowing their pupils well and fostering their interests and talents through focused activities.
The school has established a positive reading culture, with pupils showing enthusiasm for reading and benefiting from a well-resourced library. Phonics instruction is a strength, enabling most pupils to read quickly and fluently. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that the support for weaker readers is closely aligned with their specific phonics needs. The curriculum is designed to prepare pupils for future learning, with a strong emphasis on vocabulary development from the early years.
In the early years, children benefit from a small cohort size, which enhances the positive relationships with staff. The learning environment is ambitious and well-planned, allowing children to engage in meaningful activities that promote language development and creativity. The school also collaborates with external specialists to provide tailored support for pupils with specific needs, ensuring inclusivity throughout the school.
Pupil behavior is exemplary, with a culture of care and support evident during playtimes and in classrooms. The school encourages personal development through various extracurricular activities and educational visits, helping pupils to become active citizens. However, there is a need for greater emphasis on understanding other religions and the diversity of modern Britain, as some pupils have limited knowledge in this area.
The leadership and governance of the school have been pivotal in its transformation, with staff feeling valued and engaged in the school’s mission. Parents express satisfaction with the improvements and the positive impact on their children’s learning. The academy council is well-informed and plays an integral role in the school’s ongoing development. Overall, the school has made remarkable progress, and with continued focus on identified areas for improvement, it is well-positioned for future success.
