A rapidly improving school has been praised by education inspectors.

Celebrations have taken place at Arlecdon School following its latest Ofsted report.

Just over two years ago the school was placed in special measures. Now it has been rated good in all areas.

Inspectors looked at effectiveness of leadership and management; quality of teaching, learning and assessment; personal development, behaviour and welfare, outcomes for pupils, and early years provision.

This week, Arlecdon’s school council presented flowers to staff and pupils cheered as they learned of the school’s achievements.

Executive headteacher, Wendy Figes, who is also head of Thornhill School, Egremont, said: “We have had massive improvements in all areas.

“The children are keen to learn and the reason for this is it’s fun and enjoyable for them.”

Ofsted inspectors noted that Arlecdon is “a rapidly improving school.”

It highlighted the “headteacher’s strong leadership” and said that had “been behind the marked improvements made over time since the school was placed into special measures”.


Wendy Figes Mrs Figes says she was drafted in, in January 2014, after the school was placed in special measures.

A further inspection was carried out that June, when the school was taken out of special measures and told it required improvement.

And now, inspectors deem all aspects of the school as good.

The school, on Arlecdon Road, has 72 children on its school roll, from the age of two up to eleven.

The report says leaders are sharply focused on raising pupils’ attainment. Consequently, standards are rising and all groups of pupils currently in the school, including disadvantaged pupils and those who have special educational needs or disability, are making good progress.

Inspectors say: “The quality of teaching is now consistently good. Due to the small number of pupils in each class, teachers know each individual child very well.”

“The school works collaboratively with a number of schools in the locality. This has been pivotal in securing and rapidly driving forward improvements.”

Standards of behaviour, in the playground and classroom, are good, the report states. And as elected members of various school councils, pupils have a voice within school and their opinions are valued.

They have been instrumental in redesigning the school playground and promoting healthy eating.

Inspectors added: “This is a happy school where pupils are well cared for and safe.”

They also highlighted supportive, knowledgeable and challenging governors, and supportive parents.

Mrs Figes said the school has been able to share lesson ideas and work together with Thornhill School to build on what it has and be outward looking.

The school was advised that to progress further they should give children in Key Stage 1 more opportunities to do extended writing, and for Early Years pupils to further develop their reading skills. Other suggested improvements are to share best practice more frequently.