Oakfield Church of England Aided Primary School in Ryde is celebrating a significant turnaround after Ofsted found it is meeting the expected standard across 6 key areas, following 3 previous ‘requires improvement’ inspections.
The Appley Road school was inspected on 30th June under Ofsted’s renewed inspection framework, with safeguarding standards also met.
Attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing were all judged to meet the ‘expected standard’.
Inspectors said pupils are happy, enjoy their time at school and believe staff have their best interests at heart. Pupils were found to behave well, be kind to each other and have positive and respectful relationships with staff.
Ofsted highlighted Oakfield’s inclusive approach, finding that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive the support they need to learn alongside their peers.
Teachers were described as well trained in adapting lessons, while leaders were praised for identifying pupils’ individual needs and understanding the barriers facing disadvantaged children.
More than 30% of pupils at Oakfield receive SEN support, compared with a national average of 15%, while 7.73% have an education, health and care plan. Some 53.26% of pupils are eligible for free school meals – more than double the national average of 26.3%.
Reading was also identified as a strength, with Ofsted finding that phonics is well taught, helping pupils to develop a love of reading.
As well as this, inspectors praised the school’s early years provision, describing an engaging curriculum and purposeful learning environment where children show high levels of concentration and engagement.
However, achievement was judged as ‘needs attention’, with inspectors saying pupils do not achieve as well as they could over time.
Writing, particularly handwriting, requires further improvement. Ofsted also wants the school to ensure assessments during lessons consistently identify gaps in pupils’ knowledge.
Attendance remains another focus. Overall absence stood at 6.6% in 2024/25, compared with 5.2% nationally, while persistent absence was 20.8%, against a national figure of 13%.
Despite this, inspectors recognised improvements in academic achievement and national test results.
The report follows 3 previous ‘requires improvement’ inspections under Ofsted’s former framework and what the school describes as an ‘exceptionally difficult period’ during which its future was questioned.
Headteacher Vikki Reader has said:
“This report means an enormous amount to the entire Oakfield team. Most importantly, because it recognises a school where children are understood, included and cared for, and where staff bring considerable skill and expertise to meeting a wide range of needs.
“Inclusion is not an initiative at Oakfield; it is fundamental to who we are.”
Mrs Reader said the school welcomes Ofsted’s clarity about the improvements still required and remains committed to continuing its progress.
She added:
“Our improvement journey will continue, as will our unwavering commitment to ensuring that Oakfield remains a joyful, caring and inclusive school where every child can thrive.”
