Making a difference

Knowsley Lane Primary School in Huyton has completely transformed in just seven terms, going from ‘requirements improvement’ to ‘outstanding’, following their Ofsted inspection carried out recently.

Inspectors noted the commitment, clear vision and the relentless efforts of the senior leaders, local advisory body and academy trustees that have made Knowsley Lane Primary a “flourishing and highly successful” school.

In addition, Year 6, standards are above average and lessons and activities are planned that enable pupils to make “rapid progress”.

The Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme and structures of the Vantage Academy Trust have helped to facilitate and consolidate this rapid progress of the school. The support of Knowsley Council, who have worked in conjunction with Vantage Academy Trust; has now enabled the school to support other schools due to the progress it has made and the “superb quality of education it provides.”

Linda Lord, principal at Knowsley Lane Primary School, said: “I am delighted with our latest Ofsted inspection which recognises the hard work and achievements of our pupils, staff, governors and the trust as well as the support provided by parents.

“We have a school-wide focus on raising aspirations of staff and pupils and our curriculum has been carefully planned and developed to challenge our pupils. The school’s governance has been highlighted as ‘excellent’ and the challenge they have provided has helped us to make the significant improvements we have made over the last two years.”

Inspectors also judged the school to have effective safeguarding arrangements and said “skilled teachers” provide structure and pace in learning, helping pupils to make sustained progress across a range of subjects. They also stated that the school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is outstanding.

Linda said: “Over the last three years, standards at the end of Year 6 have risen and in 2018 the school achieved above the national figure for reading, writing and maths combined. Inspectors accepted this will grow again in 2020 following a year of consolidation in 2019.

“The Ofsted inspection has demonstrated we have the systems, processes, skills and commitment to help our children develop and thrive and we will continue to build on this momentum now over the coming years.”

“I am so proud and pleased that our fantastic children and their families get the chance to be able to say that they go to an outstanding school.”