Wolfson Hillel in Southgate has received one of the highest inspection ratings for primary schools inspected so far under Ofsted’s new framework.
It is one of only eight primaries of the 1,736 inspected so far to be ranked exceptional in two or more areas – the highest evaluation grade – placing it in the top 0.5 per cent. (There are around 16,700 primary schools in England).
It is one of only six who have received the mark for leadership, and one of only 10 for personal development and wellbeing.
It was judged to have reached a “strong standard” in the other five areas – the second highest out of five grades under the new system which was introduced last year.
The school, part of the Jewish Community Academy Trust and one of the biggest Jewish primaries with 465 pupils, was previously ranked outstanding – but headline grades are no longer awarded.
Pupils referred to the school as “their safe and happy place”, which made them “want to come into school each and every day,” Ofsted reported.
That observation was “what this report is ultimately about,” headteachers Alex Kingston and Laura Russell told parents.
“It is about children who love coming to school. Children who achieve exceptionally well. Children who are kind, respectful and caring. Children who feel safe, valued and included. Children who are encouraged to discover their talents, develop their character, contribute to their community and grow into confident and compassionate young people.”
They said they were “incredibly proud to be celebrating an achievement that is unique within our local primary school community as well as being so rare nationally”.
Ofsted said: “Leaders at all levels make sure that the school operates at an incredibly high standard in all areas.”
Inspectors noted the “transformational” impact on pupils' wellbeing of “innovative ways of delivering enrichment activities successfully”.
In national tests, pupils “consistently attain above their peers” across the country.
Leaders ensured that “all pupils develop incredibly secure foundational knowledge in English and mathematics,” Ofsted found.
Pupils excelled in the foundation curriculum subjects, developing a rich knowledge in subjects such as history, music andart. They got off to “an excellent start” in early years.
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