Bilston school praised after Ofsted inspection

A Wolverhampton primary school has been praised by Ofsted for improving teaching and pupils' achievement.

Bilston CofE Primary School in Albany Crescent was rated as 'good' following an inspection in May, having been told it needed to improve after Ofsted's previous visit in 2013.

In the report headteacher Gary Gentle, senior leaders and governors were said to have used a 'determined and effective approach' to turning around the fortunes of the 257-pupil school.

Staff have created an environment where pupils are eager to learn, which means they 'achieve well in reading, writing and mathematics', the report said.

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The behaviour and safety of pupils was rated as 'outstanding', with lead inspector David Speakman noting: "Their conduct in lessons and at other times throughout the school day is excellent.

"Pupils are exceptionally polite and considerate towards each other, adults and visitors to the school."

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Governors were praised for 'asking searching questions of the headteacher and other leaders' and 'holding them to account for the school's improvement'.

Headteacher Gary Gentle said: "We are of course very happy with this report which reflects the efforts of everyone at Bilston CofE Primary School to improve standards for our pupils.

"While it is pleasing to get such positive feedback, we will not rest on our laurels as we strive to fulfil our ambition of one day becoming an outstanding school."

Bilston Primary is one of a number of school's in the city that is set to expand in September to cater for a rising demand for places.

Councillor Claire Darke, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: "I'm pleased that the additional pupils who will be attending Bilston in September will be joining a school which is recognised by Ofsted as being good with outstanding features.

"It is pleasing that the school is achieving such good outcomes for its young people."