Early present

Bleak Hill Primary School in Windle celebrated after receiving the best possible early Christmas gift – another outstanding Ofsted report.

The Hamilton Road school, which has 468 pupils, welcomed education watchdog Ofsted, 11 years since their last inspection in 2006 which also resulted in an outstanding grade.

Key findings from the report found teaching of all groups of pupils in key stages 1 and 2, including disadvantaged pupils, to be “consistently highly effective” – while it was noted that reception classes receive “outstanding teaching that enables pupils to make excellent progress.”

In addition, the inspector was full of praise for the leadership of the school, stating that senior staff have “a blend of skills that complement each other” – but more importantly how they are “not complacent and recognise that there is always more to do.”

Speaking of his pride, headteacher Ian Wellens, who took the reins in 2005, said: “I’m absolutely delighted with this report which I feel is a fair and honest summary of the school’s position.

“Our outstanding judgement is the result of an extraordinary amount of hard work and commitment by governors, school leaders, staff, pupils and supportive families.

“A special mention also deserves to go to St Helens Council for their continued support, especially during these times of extremely challenging budget pressures.”

Passing on her congratulations, St Helens Council’s portfolio holder for education, Councillor Jeanette Banks, said: “Bleak Hill’s latest Ofsted report makes for excellent reading and is a testimony of all of the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.

“To maintain such exceptional standards over a long period of time without an inspection in-between is not an easy thing to do, so everyone associated with Bleak Hill should be very proud indeed.”