Arreton School Praised For Resilience After ‘Turbulent Year’

An Isle of Wight primary school that narrowly avoided closure has been praised for its resilience following what Ofsted described as a “turbulent year.”

Arreton St George’s CE Primary School was rated ‘Good’ for behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management — but ‘Requires Improvement’ for the quality of education.

Inspectors said the school had made progress but still needed to strengthen how its curriculum, particularly in maths, is delivered.

Their report noted:

“The school has had a turbulent year. School improvement work has been hindered, and pupils have experienced many changes as a consequence.

"The school has tackled weaknesses in provision with some success.

"However, more work is needed to ensure the curriculum is implemented effectively.”

Positives highlighted included the school’s “truly inclusive ethos”, its “ambition for pupils to achieve well”, and a strong focus on reading described as a “top priority.”

Headteacher Nicky Coates said the findings reflected the hard work and dedication of staff:

“Ofsted recognised that the school has had a turbulent year, which resulted in some inconsistencies in maths.

"Despite this, the report highlights the commitment of staff and leaders to ensure continued improvement.

"I remain immensely proud of the staff, children, and their families for their resilience and determination during what has been an especially challenging year.”

The July inspection came months after the school’s future was thrown into uncertainty when the Isle of Wight Council voted to close it — along with Cowes Primary School — as part of plans to reduce surplus school places.

However, the Office of the Schools Adjudicator later ruled that the closure process had been flawed, allowing Arreton St George’s to remain open.

Ofsted’s latest report follows a previous inspection in July 2022, when the school was also rated ‘Requires Improvement’ overall.