A new school has joined an illustrious list of Swindon's educational facilities to be rated 'Outstanding'.

East Wichel Community Primary School & Nursery is just one of three to get the top Ofsted rating.

Its last inspection was in March 2017 where it received a rating of 'Good'

But after being inspected for the first time in five years on December 6 and 7, 2022, inspectors were impressed and rated the school 'Outstanding' in every category including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, early years provision and leadership and management

It'll now join Drove Children's Centre and The Croft Primary School as the highest-rated schools in the town. 

Paula Phillips, headteacher, commented: "We are thrilled to receive such a positive report from OFSTED. Our dedicated staff, governors, pupils and parents work hard to create a nurturing and ambitious environment, and it is wonderful to see that recognized by the inspectors.

"This outstanding report is a testament to their hard work and commitment.”

The report states that children thrive at East Wichel and that the behaviour is impeccable. Parents told the inspector that their children ‘flourish’.

The inspectors praised the tenacity of the school's leader and their vision for excellence that is being fully realised at every level by the dedicated and committed staff team.

The latest iteration of the East Wichel curriculum was commended for "being rich, carefully sequenced, and well thought-through".

And the teaching is "ambitious" with learning adapted appropriately so that all pupils succeed and are getting the strongest possible start - right from nursery.

The inspection team was impressed with the school's approach to reading, which they said goes "beyond the teaching of reading" and is a big part of the school's ethos as it helps to impart deep knowledge of the world and develop empathy in pupils.

During the inspection, the children spoke articulately and with understanding about the importance of mental health which is a huge focus at the school, showing exemplary care for each other.

The children were vociferous about wanting to make a difference in the world, and the report noted that they leave the school as knowledgeable, compassionate, and resilient young people.

East Wichel currently teaches 411 pupils aged 2 to 11 and Ms Phillips has been in charge of it since 2019. 

Drove Children's Centre was last inspected in April 2012 and The Croft Primary School was last visited by Ofsted in June 2014.