A High Peak school looking to the future after low Ofsted rating

This is the second time Harpur Hill primary has been rated as ‘requires improvement’ - the second lowest grading - but headteacher Vicky Giliker said she is excited about the school’s future.

She said: “I am looking forward to leading the school in the coming months and years ahead.

“Overall, the inspection acknowledges the journey the school has been on since the last inspection and recognises the rapid progress that has been made more recently. I am excited about the school’s future and will ensure that Harpur Hill continues to go from strength to strength.”

Joanne Sanchez-Thompson lead inspector said: “The quality of teaching, although improving, is variable across classes and is not yet consistently good. Some teachers do not plan activities that challenge pupils of all abilities to think deeply enough and to solve problems, especially in mathematics.”

Although overall the school requires improvement the inspector noted the personal development, behaviour and welfare were deemed as ‘good’ as was the early years provision.

Ms Sanchez-Thompson said: “The provision for children in the early years has improved significantly since the previous inspection.

“As a result, children make good progress and are well prepared for the next stage of their education.”

Now the school needs to make sure learning time is not wasted in lessons and strengthen leadership and management, by embedding the roles of new and existing middle leaders so that they have a greater influence on improving teaching.