Co-op Academy Priesthorpe is rated 'good' by Ofsted

Co-op Academy Priesthorpe, in Priesthorpe Lane, Farsley was visited by the education watchdog on February 21 and 22 this year.

It was deemed to be 'good' in all areas but 'outstanding' for personal development.

The school – which had 1091 pupils at the time of the inspection and provides a sixth form provision – joined the Co-op Academies Trust in July 2017.

It has had one visit from Ofsted since then - in March 2020 when it was rated 'requires improvement' and was last rated 'good' in December 2012, when it was known as Priesthorpe School.

The report from the latest inspection – which was published on Wednesday – said students at the setting are “proud to be part of an inclusive community” and behaviour across the school is “calm and orderly”.

It added: “All pupils are members of small coaching groups where they can maturely consider current affairs and develop strong bonds of friendship.”

Pupils at Co-op Academy Priesthorpe (Image: Co-op Academy Priesthorpe)

Students know bullying and derogatory language will be dealt with quickly but it is “rare” such behaviour happens anyway.

One of the school’s major strengths is its personal development offer, according to inspectors.

The report said: “There are a huge range of clubs, trips and activities for pupils.

“These range from small clubs such as ‘computer coding’ to entry into national competitions and opportunities to experience high quality art installations.”

The sixth-form students at Priesthorpe know they are an “integral part” of the school community and are prepared for their next steps through targeted help and advice.

Inspectors found a small number of pupils need support to “regulate their behaviour at social times” and some do not “demonstrate the thirst for knowledge that leaders expect in lessons” and so are not able to take full advantage of the curriculum on offer.

Pupils at Co-op Academy Priesthorpe (Image: Co-op Academy Priesthorpe)

Joint Principals at Co-op Academy Priesthorpe, Martin Blacoe and Louise Pratt, said: “Our achievements are based on a team effort, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank our students, staff, parents, governors, and wider community for their continued support, which makes a real difference”.

Dr Chris Tomlinson, CEO of Co-op Academies Trust, said: “Pupils feel valued and supported, and ultimately, Ofsted have seen the way that nurturing the pupil/staff relationships has helped students to become ‘highly motivated’.

“Congratulations to the senior leadership team, the pupils, family, and staff - a richly deserved rating.”