'Future is bright' for Mansfield school that leaps from 'Inadequate' rating to 'Good'

When Oak Tree Primary School, which has 231 pupils on its books, was inspected by the education watchdog in 2018, a damning report branded it ‘Inadequate’.

But now it has been handed a ‘Good’ rating, both overall and in all individual categories, delighting the new head, Marie Gash, who was only appointed in February.

"The school was completely dismayed at being rated ‘Inadequate’,” said Mrs Gash. “Since then, it has joined the Aspire Multi-Academy Trust and undergone a change of leadership.

"Over the last five years, Oak Tree has seen many changes, probably more than most schools. We have worked relentlessly to develop and improve every aspect of school life.

"The journey has been long and, at times, very challenging. But we are delighted to be awarded a ‘Good’ judgement.

"It is an acknowledgement of the hours of hard work put in by the staff, who always go above and beyond for our amazing children.”

A spokesperson for the Nottinghamshire-based Aspire Trust, which oversees seven schools, said: “This has been an amazing journey for Oak Tree, which was previously rated the worst school in the county and is in an area with the highest deprivation.”

The Ofsted inspectors found that “pupils are happy to attend” the Jubilee Way North school. Their report says: “Pupils display positive attitudes and say they feel safe and cared for.”

They trusted their teachers, and they benefited from “an ambitious, well-planned curriculum”. They behaved well in lessons and around the school, which was “calm and orderly”.

Pupils “work hard in lessons” and “take part in trips and experiences that enrich their learning”, the report says. They also “understand equality and diversity” because “the school prepares them well for life in modern Britain”.

The inspectors reported that “staff morale is high” and praised teachers for their “strong and passionate” subject knowledge. They “enjoy working at the school” and “deal with any poor behaviour fairly.”

Oak Tree was also hailed for prioritising reading and for giving “high-quality support” to vulnerable pupils with special needs, ensuring they “receive the same opportunities as others”.

However, leaders were urged to clamp down on absenteeism among “a significant minority of pupils”.