'Happy pupils' help Harrogate school to win 'Good' report from Osted despite challenging environment

One of Harrogate’s most distinctive schools says it’s delighted to receive a good assessment by Ofsted despite a series of challenges.
By Graham Chalmers
Published 13th Dec 2023, 09:47 BST
Updated 19th Dec 2023, 14:49 BST
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Last inspected in 2014, Grove Road Community Primary School has successfully maintained its status as a Good School.

Given the recent pressures on all schools, Dr Peter Harvey, Chair of Governors, expressed his delight at the verdict.

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“The school has had to face up to the same pressures as all schools have, most notably Covid and stringent financial restrictions,” said Dr Harvey.

Harrogate's Grove Road Community Primary School has successfully maintained its status as a Good School after an Ofsted inspection. (Picture contributed)Harrogate's Grove Road Community Primary School has successfully maintained its status as a Good School after an Ofsted inspection. (Picture contributed)
Harrogate's Grove Road Community Primary School has successfully maintained its status as a Good School after an Ofsted inspection. (Picture contributed)

"In addition, we have also had two recent changes of headteacher.

"The staff as a whole deserve enormous credit for their wholehearted commitment and professionalism.”

This Harrogate school is a familiar landmark on Skipton Road with its distinctive Victorian architecture and the recent addition of a double decker bus library.

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The Ofsted inspection, carried out over two days, came to its overall conclusions that “pupils in this school are happy, friendly and confident. Bullying is not a problem. Safeguarding is secure.”

Last inspected by Ofsted in 2014, Grove Road Community Primary School in Harrogate has successfully maintained its status as a Good School. (Picture contributed)Last inspected by Ofsted in 2014, Grove Road Community Primary School in Harrogate has successfully maintained its status as a Good School. (Picture contributed)
Last inspected by Ofsted in 2014, Grove Road Community Primary School in Harrogate has successfully maintained its status as a Good School. (Picture contributed)

Ofsted did, however, set the school a stiff target for improvement to its academic profile in 2024.

But newly-appointed Headteacher, James Grayston, is delighted by the school’s success and is welcoming the challenges ahead.

"We are delighted with the report which reflects the hard work of everyone involved in the school,” said Mr Grayston.

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"I would like to personally thank all the staff, governors and parents for their unwavering dedication in everything we’ve been doing. Without fail, they always put the children at the centre of everything we do.

“We all know that Grove Road Community Primary School is a very special place for children to learn and we're so pleased that the inspector saw what we see every day."

Grove Road: Highlights from the Ofsted report

“Pupils in this school are happy, friendly and confident”

“They embrace the school’s ‘PRIDE’ values”

“Pupils attend school regularly”

“They have positive attitudes to learning”

“The school ensures that its pupils are safe”

“Bullying is not a problem”

“The school is ambitious for its pupils”

“The school prioritises the teaching of early reading and phonics”

“The environment in the early years supports children to get off to a good start”

“Pupils can take part in events in the local community”

Related topics:OfstedHarrogate