Torquay school goes top of the class

Torquay's largest primary school has gone to the top of the class.

Sherwell Valley Primary School is celebrating another ‘Good’ rating by Ofsted in their first inspection, post pandemic and under new leadership.

The local authority maintained school, based in Hawkins Avenue, Chelston, has a three form intake with 658 pupils on roll, boosted by a well organised and stimulating nursery provision, which welcomes children from age two upwards.

The recently published report states that pupils talk with pride about their school. The pupils say 'the best thing about school is the learning'.

School leaders and staff have 'high expectations for all pupils rooted in school values that the children proudly demonstrate'.

The inspectors added that all pupils learn to take responsibility for their own actions. As a result, pupils are respectful and courteous. They are keen to come to school and they attend well. Staff feel valued and they know that governors and school leaders prioritise their well-being and workload.

The inspectors recognised that pupils participate in a range of clubs and 'develop their sporting skills to a high standard and compete at a national level'.

The school’s dedication to inclusion was also celebrated. The inspectors said: "The school acts quickly to identify the needs of pupils with SEND and staff skilfully make effective adaptations so that pupils with SEND learn the same curriculum as their peers”.

Since taking over the reins in January 2023, Headteacher Cristy Nelson has been working with staff to deliver the best outcomes for every child.

The inspectors made clear their views of her impact on Sherwell Valley by saying: "The new headteacher has recently led significant changes to improve the curriculum. The school has raised expectations of what pupils can achieve. As a result, pupils get off to a flying start.”

Mrs Nelson said: “We are proud to be rated a secure Good. It is testament to our staff, who are dedicated to making sure we offer the very best education to all pupils.

"I was initially attracted to the school by the sense of community and I am pleased to have led improvements to strengthen the academic and extracurricular outcomes for our children.

"In recent years, the school community has grown from strength-to-strength and we have laid excellent foundations to continue to build upon taking us to the next level.

"The leadership team is already implementing a progressive strategy for 2025 and beyond/"

Sherwell Valley has always experienced a high demand for spaces but in the next academic year (Sept 2024) a lower birth rate across the region means that its aspirational school still has capacity to offer places to pupils outside of its typical catchment area.

Parents and guardians interested in nursery or primary school places from September 2024, are urged to contact the school soon to secure a place for their child via our school website www.sherwell-valley-primary.torbay.sch.uk or by calling 01803 613296