Good Ofsted for Harrogate village school as it bounces back after closure for inadequate safeguarding

A village school in the Harrogate district is celebrating receiving a ‘Good’ report by Ofsted.
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Admiral Long CE School in Burnt Yates was praised the school for ambitious leadership, safeguarding, curriculum and the personal development, behaviour and attitudes of the children.

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Burnt Yates School formerly on the site of the now, Admiral Long School was rated ‘Inadequate’ by Ofsted due to safeguarding and subsequently closed in 2018.

Good Ofsted report - Miss Victoria Kirkman, Executive Headteacher of Admiral Long CE School.Good Ofsted report - Miss Victoria Kirkman, Executive Headteacher of Admiral Long CE School.
Good Ofsted report - Miss Victoria Kirkman, Executive Headteacher of Admiral Long CE School.

Following this, Bishop Thornton School who moved to the Burnt Yates site in 2019 was judged to be ‘Requires Improvement.’

In September 2021, Executive Headteacher Miss Victoria Kirkman took over leadership of Admiral Long CE School in order to put in place rapid school improvements.

Miss Kirkman said: "Since September, the school has gone on an incredible journey of rapid school improvement, and I am delighted this hard work has been recognised especially with regards to the safeguarding of its pupils.

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"Although our school was recognised for its achievements in relation to the curriculum and academic outcomes,

"I am most proud of the recognition, post-pandemic for the pastoral care and enrichment experiences we give to our pupils.

She continued: "The inspectors said that leaders were ambitious for this small school.

"They have high expectations for what pupils should achieve.

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"Pupils are very positive about their learning. They want to do well and try hard in all lessons."

Inspectors identified that, although extensive work had been put in place to create a new Early Years Classroom this year where the quality of education is good, there was still work to be done to develop the outdoors as part of the two-year plan.

But they did recognise that "Leaders know this area requires development and have plans in place for this."

In addition to the appointment of Miss Kirkman, a new Chair of Governors is also in place who has worked effectively with the Governing Body to support recent school improvements.

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Mrs Jane Connor said: "The Governors are immensely proud of the achievement of the leadership team and all staff and children at Admiral Long School.

"This academic year has been one of significant change, with our new Executive Head Teacher, and the introduction of new curriculum.

"We are particularly proud of the school’s focus on developing well-rounded young people, through a curriculum developed in the best interests of pupils, enrichment experiences and wider opportunities."

Miss Kirkman said: "This report along with record results across the school including those achieving the standard of ‘greater depth’ and a National, Gold Award for Sports is something to feel very proud of -what a phenomenal end to the year.

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"If you are interested in a school place for your child please contact: 01423 770185."

Miss Kirkman is also Executive Headteacher of Birstwith CE School and Interim Executive Leader of the Ripley CE, Beckwithshaw and Kettlesing Federation of schools.

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