- Ofsted visit marks the first year of leadership by new Headteacher Mr Robert Mold
- Pupils are happy and enthusiastic about their learning at this caring and supportive school
- Phonics results “consistently exceed national averages”
Willow Tree Primary School, on Wetherby Road in Harrogate, is celebrating a “Good” rating in its latest Ofsted inspection. The report, which follows an inspection of the school on 1 and 2 October 2024, highlights the school’s commitment to quality education, personal development and inclusion.
The school, now part of Northern Star Academies Trust (NSAT), was praised by inspectors for making “great strides in developing its curriculum” and for setting an ambitious curriculum for all pupils. Inspectors observed that, “pupils are happy and enthusiastic about learning at this caring and supportive school”.
Pupil progress in reading and phonics was highlighted, with inspectors observing that “the school works hard to promote a love of reading”. The report also acknowledged that the school’s phonics results, often viewed as a foundation for future learning, “consistently exceed national averages”.
The visit by Ofsted’s inspectors comes at the end of the first full year of leadership by the school’s new Headteacher Mr Robert Mold. Mr Mold expressed pride in the school’s achievement and the hard work of the staff, students, and families. He said:
We are thrilled to have received such positive feedback from Ofsted. This report reflects the dedication and expertise of our staff, the enthusiasm and attitude of our pupils, and the continued support of our wonderful community.
We are especially pleased that the inspectors recognised the quality of our learning environments for our youngest pupils. We’ve invested heavily in our indoor and outdoor classroom areas to give our youngest children the very best opportunities to explore and be creative. It’s a priority for us to foster a real love of learning that children can take with them on their whole school journey and beyond.
Inspectors also highlighted the positive behaviour of the pupils, noting that they take pride in demonstrating the school’s values of being “respectful, responsible and ready to learn”.
Jenn Plews, CEO of NSAT, said:
This “Good” rating is incredibly well deserved and is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Mr Mold and the entire school community. We are incredibly proud of what Willow Tree has achieved and are excited to build on this success.
As the school celebrates this achievement, it remains focused on its future goals, with a continued emphasis on high-quality teaching, an ambitious curriculum, and pupil’s personal development and wellbeing.
Willow Tree is running tours with the Headteacher every week until Christmas for prospective families. Please contact the school office on 01423 883551. More information about the school can also be found at www.willowtreeprimary.org.uk
