Once-failing school gets ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted

Scott Wilkie Primary has been given a glowing report by Ofsted and the top “outstanding” rating in all areas following an inspection.

The school has been turned around in less than a decade, where Ofsted found the pupils now enjoy coming to school to learn “an ambitious and broad” curriculum.

Children reading at Scott Wilkie Primary School (Image: Mark Soanes)

“This has been a 10-year journey for the school,” Scott Wilkie’s executive headteacher Keri Edge said.

“When we took over this school it had slipped way below the standards required and was rightly ranked ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted.

“But we have managed to transform it and have altered the life chances of the pupils and the community around Custom House.”

The school in Hoskin’s Close, next to King George Park, is part of the Agate Momentum education trust which also runs Hallsville Primary in Canning Town that was given an “outstanding” tag just three months ago.

“To have both schools rated ‘outstanding’ is a special achievement,” Keri added proudly. “This is testament to our staff, our supportive parents and of course the children who are simply marvellous.

Headteacher Keri Edge (Image: Mark Soanes)

“There’s nothing you cannot achieve, working with passion and believing in your cause, with the right people around you.”

Scott Wilkie encourages pupils to develop their character, to manage their emotions and to tackle social issues, where they are taught to look out for each other.

The Ofsted report states: “Staff have exceptionally high expectations of all pupils, including those with special educational needs or disabilities. Expectations are clear and consistently applied.”

The school also runs a pioneering “scholars programme” preparing the youngsters for university later in life, ready for when they leave primary and secondary education.

Pupils are taken on educational trips to visit places like the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Royal Courts of Justice and the Science Museum to help develop their “depth of knowledge and understanding” in all subjects.