Alconbury Weald celebrates ‘good’ Ofsted results
- 14.02.2025
Alconbury Weald’s first primary school and nursery started the new year on a high following feedback from their recent Ofsted inspections. Both maintained their ‘good’ rating with inspectors praising positive interactions between pupils and staff, nurturing learning environments and opportunities for personal development.
Ermine Street Church Academy was inspected in November 2024 and has maintained the ‘good’ standards identified at its previous inspection. The Inspector acknowledged the school’s ambitious curriculum along with the teachers’ strong subject knowledge and effective teaching methods. As well as encouraging the children academically, there are also opportunities for personal development through sport, music and supporting local charities. The Inspector identified happy, considerate children that enjoy attending the primary school.
Ayellet McDonnell, Headteacher at Ermine Street Church Academy, said: “We are very pleased with the outcome and felt that the process was fair. There are many positive elements of our school that have been highlighted, and we are pleased that these were recognised in the report. We are excited to continue our journey of Ermine Street Church Academy development and hope that you will join us in celebrating the school's success.”
Jemima House Nursery, which is based within Ermine Street Church Academy, was inspected in October 2024 and praised for the high quality of care and teaching across all age groups; providing an encouraging and stimulating environment in which the children can grow and develop. The Nursery was also praised for its positive relationship with parents, who commented on the ‘unwavering dedication and support’ from staff who ‘go above and beyond’ to support their children.
“We really are thrilled. So much work goes into making sure the nursery runs as well as it can and provides the very best care and education possible. It's always a joy to know that all our efforts are being recognised and applauded by His Majesty's Inspectors too.”
Paul Murfin, Communities and Partnerships for Alconbury Weald master developer Urban&Civic, said: “What fantastic results! The teams at Jemima House Nursery and Ermine Street Church Academy have worked hard to consistently deliver high quality education in a fun, supportive and dynamic environment.
“Education is a key priority at Alconbury Weald and it’s great to see the development’s first nursery and primary school thriving, the new special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school - Prestley Wood Academy – welcome its first students and plans progressing for the new secondary school, which is currently due to open in September 2027.”
The completion of the third wing of Ermine Street Church Academy’s Y-shaped building last September increases capacity at the primary school to three form entry.
More information can be found in the Ofsted reports:
