Pupils and staff at Lorton School near Cockermouth are celebrating after their ethos of putting pupils’ happiness on a par with test results was highly praised by the Ofsted inspectors.
The review graded the school ‘good’ and acknowledged how its broad approach to learning is really benefiting its pupils. The news comes after Ofsted announced it was changing the way it assessed schools, putting the emphasis on what is taught and how it is taught, rather that test results.
That’s the perfect way of looking at education according to Lorton School’s chairman of governors Darren Ward. He said: “It is great to see that Ofsted recognises our independent and child-centred approach to teaching.
“We have always believed that school isn’t simply about learning facts and figures but about creating an atmosphere that is friendly, fun and inclusive for all. Some may have been sceptical of our methods but this Ofsted report vindicates our holistic approach and shows it works well.”
According to the official report: “Leaders have planned the curriculum to meet the needs and interests of pupils. It is broad and rich. It deepens pupils’ knowledge and skills.”
They also praise the warmth and friendliness of the school: “Pupils behave well so that all can get on with learning. Pupils said that bullying did not happen. There have been rare incidents of name-calling. They said that adults deal with it so that it is not repeated.”
And the fact that the staff try to broaden students’ horizons and views also received special mention.
“Pupils relish being able to climb Skiddaw and walk the hills of Coniston,” the inspectors add. “Pupils visit places of worship to learn about different faiths. They go on trips to major cities to deepen their understanding of life in modern Britain. Pupils, including those with special educational needs or disabilities achieve well.”
The school acknowledges that there is always room for improvement and it will be ensuring it follows the inspectors’ recommendation of meeting teachers and subject leaders from other schools to improve training and share good practice.
Olivia Harrison is Lorton School’s headteacher. She said: “We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised and praised the ethos that we have made central to everything we do at Lorton.
“Children’s happiness comes first and a love of learning follows on and that means they reach their academic potential. We protect our children from the external pressures that are being placed upon primary schools and still equip them for the next stage of their education – something which was recognised by Ofsted. I am proud to be a part of such a fantastic team.”
Though it’s not a church school, Lorton School is part of The Good Shepherd Multi Academy Trust, a family of academies where the emphasis is on enjoying life in all its fullness.
The Trust’s chief executive Claire Render said: “We are delighted with the Ofsted report. It celebrates the whole life of the school from climbing Skiddaw to the scientific knowledge of the pupils.
“I know how hard staff, parents and the Local governing body have worked to ensure that Lorton provides a fantastic education for all pupils and I’m pleased that it recognises the high expectations from all leaders at Lorton school.”
