Coulsdon Church of England Primary School, once celebrated for its outstanding performance, has recently been downgraded to a “Requires Improvement” rating by Ofsted. This significant shift follows an inspection conducted in November 2023, which highlighted several areas needing enhancement. The school, which had maintained an “Outstanding” rating since 2011, now faces the challenge of addressing the identified shortcomings to restore its former glory.
Leadership and Management Under Scrutiny
The recent Ofsted report pointed out that the leadership and management at Coulsdon CofE Primary School require improvement. The inspectors noted that while the school has a welcoming and inclusive environment, the leadership team has not effectively addressed the gaps in the curriculum. This has resulted in pupils not being as well-prepared for the next stages of their education as they should be. The report emphasized the need for a more robust and coherent strategy to enhance the overall quality of education.
Despite these challenges, the school community remains optimistic. Parents and carers have expressed their continued support for the school, acknowledging the efforts made by the staff to provide a nurturing environment. The leadership team is committed to implementing the necessary changes to improve the school’s performance and regain its outstanding status.
Curriculum and Teaching Quality
One of the critical areas highlighted in the Ofsted report was the quality of the curriculum and teaching. The inspectors found that the curriculum did not sufficiently equip pupils with the knowledge and skills needed to excel. Although recent changes have been made to improve the curriculum, these have not yet had a significant impact. The report suggested that a more focused approach is required to ensure that all pupils receive a high-quality education.
Teachers at Coulsdon CofE Primary School are dedicated to their students’ success. They work hard to create engaging and supportive learning environments. However, the report indicated that more professional development opportunities are needed to help teachers enhance their instructional practices. By investing in teacher training and development, the school aims to improve the quality of education and better support its pupils.
Positive Aspects and Future Plans
Despite the areas needing improvement, the Ofsted report also highlighted several positive aspects of Coulsdon CofE Primary School. The behaviour and attitudes of pupils were rated as good, with students showing respect and kindness towards each other. The school’s personal development programs were also praised, as they help build pupils’ confidence and resilience.
Looking ahead, the school has outlined a comprehensive plan to address the issues identified in the Ofsted report. This includes strengthening the leadership team, refining the curriculum, and providing additional support for teachers. The school is determined to make the necessary improvements and is confident that with the support of the community, it will regain its outstanding rating in the near future.
