A Wolverhampton school rated Outstanding by Ofsted last year has been praised in the organisation's annual report for 2015 to 2016.

Whitgreave Junior School moved from Good to Outstanding, the highest rating possible, under the leadership of headteacher Sarah Redfern following an inspection last November.

Inspectors found the leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, outcomes and personal development, and behaviour and welfare of pupils were all outstanding.

And the school's success has been highlighted by Lorna Fitzjohn, Ofsted's Regional Director for the West Midlands, after it was selected as a case study to accompany the publication of Ofsted's annual report for 2015 to 2016 earlier this month.

Councillor Claire Darke, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: "This was an outstanding inspection report in every way, and it is great that Ofsted have held up the achievements of the leadership team, staff, parents and pupils at Whitgreave Junior School to wider acclaim."

The case study highlights key points from the inspection report, including that the school is "exceptionally well led" by a headteacher who has "high expectations of pupils and staff and ensures that there is a relentless focus on ensuring that all aspects of the school continually improve", and that a high proportion of pupils exceed the knowledge and skills expected for their age in reading, writing and mathematics.

Mrs Redfern said: "I am extremely privileged and proud to be the headteacher of such an exciting and vibrant school, and we are delighted that our achievements have been recognised in this way."

As well as leading Whitgreave Junior School, Mrs Redfern is also currently Executive Headteacher at Woodfield Infant and Junior Schools where she is overseeing an improvement programme. 

  • released: Friday 9 December, 2016