Hartlepool school's massive leap to the top

A town primary school is celebrating a massive leap in fortunes.
Hart Primary School junior leadership team and school council members (left to right) Joseph Greener, Lily Noble, Ellis Trimble, Kitty Beddell,  Tapirva Chitsamatanga, Tara Wilkinson and Freya Pounder with Headteacher Jo Heaton (right) and deputy headteacher Katy Hill.Hart Primary School junior leadership team and school council members (left to right) Joseph Greener, Lily Noble, Ellis Trimble, Kitty Beddell,  Tapirva Chitsamatanga, Tara Wilkinson and Freya Pounder with Headteacher Jo Heaton (right) and deputy headteacher Katy Hill.
Hart Primary School junior leadership team and school council members (left to right) Joseph Greener, Lily Noble, Ellis Trimble, Kitty Beddell, Tapirva Chitsamatanga, Tara Wilkinson and Freya Pounder with Headteacher Jo Heaton (right) and deputy headteacher Katy Hill.

Hart Primary School has been rated as outstanding by Ofsted inspectors in all areas, following their most recent visit.

This comes after the school was told it needed to improve in 2014.

Hart Primary School pupil Cary Stoker playing her Violin . Picture by FRANK REIDHart Primary School pupil Cary Stoker playing her Violin . Picture by FRANK REID
Hart Primary School pupil Cary Stoker playing her Violin . Picture by FRANK REID
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In the latest report, inspectors said: “This is an outstanding school. The inspirational and determined leadership of the headteacher, ably supported by the skilful deputy headteacher, ensures that an uncompromising drive for continual improvement pervades every area of school life. It has improved dramatically since the last inspection.

“The governing body is highly effective. Governors consistently challenge the school and hold senior leaders to account.”

The report goes on to praise teaching and learning, adding: “The consistently high quality of teaching is a strength of the school.

“Teachers have high expectations of what pupils can achieve and ensure that the pace of learning and level of challenge enable pupils to concentrate and be fully involved in their learning.

Hart Primary School pupil Cary Stoker playing her Violin . Picture by FRANK REIDHart Primary School pupil Cary Stoker playing her Violin . Picture by FRANK REID
Hart Primary School pupil Cary Stoker playing her Violin . Picture by FRANK REID
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“Lessons are interesting and lively. In mathematics, basic skills are used very well and consolidated regularly. Work in books shows that a range of areas across the mathematics curriculum are taught regularly.

“Pupils write enthusiastically and with great imagination, often because their writing is linked to the topic they are studying and because teachers have excellent subject knowledge.”

Hart Primary School is federated with St Peter’s Elwick Primary School and shares the same headteacher, deputy headteacher and governing body.

Headteacher Jo Heaton, said: “To be judged outstanding in all areas by Ofsted is testament to the fantastic work by children, staff, parents, governors and others who have contributed to the school’s amazing journey over the last two years.

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“However, there will be no let up in our drive for further improvement to ensure that our children get off to the best possible start in life.”

Mark Patton, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Assistant Director (Education, Learning and Skills), said: “It is a remarkable achievement to jump from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘outstanding’.

“I would like to congratulate the headteacher, staff, pupils, parents and governors for ensuring a first-class education for all children at Hart Primary School.”