Wolverhampton school 'a real treasure', say inspectors
A church school in Wolverhampton has been described by inspectors as "a real treasure".
Academic progress and attainment at St Bartholomew's Church of England Primary School was consistently high and for many pupils exceptional, it was said.
The visit was part of a statutory inspection of Anglican and Methodist schools which focused on the impact its Christian vision has on pupils and adults.
The Reverend Dr Jason Phillips, who carried out the inspection, described St Bartholomew's as a "real treasure, significantly extending the mission of Lichfield Diocese", and found it to be "deeply Christian and foremost in serving the common good".
The school's pastoral care was considered to be outstanding while its religious education promoted "a deep understanding of diversity and respect".
It also had a "highly productive relationship" with the St Bartholomew's Church of England Multi Academy Trust, with its leaders "transformational in raising expectations and standards". Governors were said to be rigorous and effective.
Rating the school excellent overall for the effectiveness of its Christian vision, Mr Phillips concluded that pupils left the school highly motivated to make a positive difference to the world.
Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, cabinet member for education and skills, said: “This is an exceptional report which demonstrates the hugely positive impact that St Bartholomew's Church of England Primary School is having, not only on its own pupils, but on those of the other schools within the academy trust, including Woodfield Primary School in Penn and beyond.”
