A recent Ofsted Inspection of Goodrich C of E Primary School highlighted why 'many more parents wish to send their children there than there are places available'.
The school was judged to be continually providing a good education with several outstanding features, as well as having the potential to soon achieve overall outstanding status.
Parents are full of praise for the school, pointing to the high quality pastoral care and strong ethos of making learning fun that leads to pupils' outstanding personal development. Indeed, one described it as offering 'more of an adventure than a standard education'.
Achievement is good as a result of a curriculum and teaching that interests and motivates all pupils. Standards in English and Mathematics, for example, are well above the national average, whilst those in Science are also above average.
Internal assessments are accurate and used effectively to provide excellent academic guidance eg in Y6 English.
Leadership and management remains good with the school being able to provide an accurate picture of its strengths and weaknesses. The actions taken since its last inspection have been particularly successful, so that Goodrich School is well-placed to continue such improvement.
Pupil behaviour is exemplary because they are taught to consider what effect their actions will have on others. They all enjoy learning, so they concentrate well and work hard. The curriculum is well-planned and stimulating.
Provision for pupils with special needs are well-matched to the curriculum through the use of carefully thought-out individual education plans. Provision for Early Years is also good.
Staff and governors play an effective role in providing the best for pupils and ensuring that they all have an equal opportunity to achieve well.
Ofsted's main recommendation is for the school to continue to make effective use of the information it gains from its assessment and tracking systems to ensure that each child maximises his/her potential.
An understandably proud headteacher, Tony Griffiths, said:?"This report, I think is best encapsulated in the closing paragraph of the Lead Inspector's letter to pupils: 'Your school is getting better and better. Mr Griffiths, and the others who help him run it, know what they can improve and how to do it. Most of all, though, they want to make the school a better place for you, so they listen to what you and your parents think about school and then set out about trying to make your wishes come true.'