Fantastic news was celebrated at both Tavernspite and Templeton Schools recently as the schools received outstanding inspection reports from Estyn, the Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales.

Tavernspite and Templeton schools, which were formally federated in September 2014 and share one governing body and leadership team, had separate inspections by different inspection teams.

Incredibly, the reports received by the school were remarkably similar showing how successful their innovative model of school federation has been.

Estyn reported: ‘The federation leadership team have a powerful vision. They establish high expectations with a strong focus on teaching and learning and share skills and expertise highly successfully across the two schools in the federation.’

Both schools were absolutely delighted to receive the highest judgement ‘excellent’ for standards which is an amazing achievement. Inspectors noted that the ‘pupils achieve excellent standards and make exceptional progress in speaking, writing, numeracy, and ICT and in the application of these skills across the curriculum.’

It was also highlighted that in cases where teaching is excellent, ‘teachers’ aspirations for pupils’ learning is exemplary and the school’s thematic approach to curriculum planning is innovative’.

Estyn were also quick to praise the schools’ contribution to developing pupils’ wellbeing and attitudes to learning, stating, ‘the way pupils support each other is a strength of the school and that nearly all pupils are enthusiastic about their lessons and feel valued as part of the school community.’

Headteacher, Kevin Phelps: said: “We are very pleased with these Estyn reports which highlight the many strengths of both Tavernspite and Templeton schools. The success of the schools is the result of a tremendous amount of commitment, hard work and dedication from the staff, parents, governors, local community and, of course, the children over a very long period. It is an incredible achievement and both school communities are very proud.”

Resulting from these successful inspections, the schools have been requested to prepare two case studies on its work to be published on the Estyn website as an exemplar of best practice to be shared with other schools.

The cases studies will be entitled, ‘Developing a joined up skills based curriculum at Key Stage 2’ and ‘Using mentoring and coaching to support the development of NQTs.’

A full copy of the reports are available by contacting the school directly or by accessing through the Estyn website.