Calderdale Council has extended its warmest congratulations to a local school for attaining the highest possible rating from Ofsted.
Parkinson Lane Community Primary School in Halifax received an outstanding rating across all evaluated aspects in its most recent inspection.
This encompasses top marks for overall effectiveness, the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, as well as early years provision.
This achievement follows the previous Ofsted assessment in 2019, which indicated that the school was in need of improvement, rendering this latest rating all the more remarkable.
In September 2023, inspectors commended the transformation of Parkinson Lane:
“Leaders, staff, pupils, and the wider community have worked together to revolutionise this school. They are unified by a shared vision to guarantee that each pupil benefits from an ambitious curriculum, complemented by meaningful extracurricular activities. That vision has now become a reality. From the moment students enrol in this hospitable and inclusive school, they eagerly seize every opportunity that has been thoughtfully mapped out for them. The impact of this learning environment is remarkable – for many students, it is life-altering.”
The Ofsted report lauds the teaching staff as “passionate and knowledgeable…bringing learning to life”. They are well-supported and take great pride in their association with the school.
Upon completion of their primary education, “students are knowledgeable, confident, and articulate individuals who are both prepared and enthusiastic for their next steps”. This aligns perfectly with Calderdale’s Wellbeing Strategy goal for children to commence their educational journey effectively and progress harmoniously.
Inspectors also commended the pupils’ “exemplary behaviour” and “meaningful grasp of the diversity of the world in which they live”, in addition to the support provided for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Ofsted concluded its report by stating: “This community school is held in high esteem by both the staff and the broader community.”
Cllr Adam Wilkinson, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, said:
“The transformation of Parkinson Lane Community Primary School from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘outstanding’ is nothing short of incredible. Congratulations to the whole school community!
“In a borough where we’re focusing on reducing inequalities and helping everyone to achieve their potential and live a larger life, the talent and resilience of the school team and pupils are a remarkable example of this in action.”
Gugsy Ahmed, Headteacher of Parkinson Lane Community Primary School, said; “I’d just like to congratulate the whole school community. We are fortunate to have parents who engage in children’s learning. Children who are receptive to changes. Resilient in their approach to learning. I’m extremely proud of my staff who have gone above and beyond. Prior to the 2019 report, Parkinson Lane received three back-to-back outstanding Ofsted reports. I’m pleased the staff efforts have been recognised in this report. They work incredibly hard and deserve a report that reflects this.
“Of course, the report is really positive but in no way compares to our delight in seeing our youngsters becoming articulate, literate and numerate, ultimately making a positive contribution to British society. Thank you to the many people that helped on this journey and offered advice and support and truly believed in the school.”
