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North Staffordshire school welcomes Ofsted report findings under new grading system

Local News by Kerry Ashdown - Local Democracy Reporter 16th Feb 2026  
Chesterton Primary School in Newcastle Borough received a sea of green grades following its latest inspection (image via Google Street View)
Chesterton Primary School in Newcastle Borough received a sea of green grades following its latest inspection (image via Google Street View)
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A North Staffordshire school has welcomed the findings of its latest Ofsted report – one of the first to be published under a new grading system.

The school inspection body no longer gives an overall rating – ranging from outstanding to inadequate – but instead provides colour-coded grades for different areas, such as achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years and leadership governance.

Chesterton Primary School in Newcastle Borough received a sea of green grades following its latest inspection.

Two areas – inclusion and personal development and wellbeing – were found to be of a strong standard, while five areas were deemed to be the expected standard.

Headteacher Helen Swindells said: "The report is under the new framework – we're possibly one of the first schools in the country on that – and we're really pleased with it.

"The inspection was the week before Christmas but we just did what we do all the time.

"We're really pleased we have had that external verification that we're exactly where we should be. Everybody is very proud – we are a community school with children at the forefront of everything we do."

The Ofsted inspection report said: "Pupils benefit from a rich, well-structured personal development programme that reflects the school's values. Pupils think deeply about their beliefs, respect others' views and explore moral issues.

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"Through visits to places of worship, themed pupil-led assemblies and workshops, pupils broaden their outlook and stay informed about current affairs. They demonstrate effective social skills, work well together and help to shape an inclusive school community – this prepares them well for life in modern Britain.

"Leaders are determined that disadvantaged pupils should thrive. They use pupil premium funding effectively to ensure that disadvantaged pupils feel included and are successful in all aspects of school life.

"Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities access a full range of enrichment opportunities alongside their peers. These include leadership roles, clubs and trips, which build pupils' resilience, independence and confidence.

"Pupils benefit from high-quality pastoral care to support their wellbeing – this is because staff have detailed knowledge of each pupil. The school provides carefully crafted support to nurture those pupils who need it.

"Leaders maintain strong links with families, including, for example, through open communication and tailored workshops. This work is helping pupils be successful at school."

     

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