Worst Ofsted rating for Exmouth primary school

Ofsted has rated Marpool Primary School in Exmouth 'inadequate' after an inspection in June.

The school, which had previously been classed as 'good', has challenged the education watchdog's decision to downgrade it.

In a report published this week, inspectors said pupils "do not receive an acceptable standard of education", and explained how they felt "changes in leadership, low expectations and a weak curriculum" have led to "a decline in the quality of education that pupils receive".

Ofsted described the curriculum as "disjointed" and said pupils' academic achievement across the curriculum is "poor, including children in the early years".

The watchdog's report also said that senior leaders and governors "do not have a coherent, strategic vision that provides direction and support for all staff", meaning "subject leaders have little understanding of how to improve the curriculum and the quality of education".

But inspectors also highlighted many positives about the school.

They said pupils "feel safe and are safe", that they "develop their talents and interests through the clubs they attend", and "experiences such as forest school, caring for the school goats, sporting events and trips all contribute positively to pupils' personal development."

Ofsted described how staff feel "well supported" by the headteacher and are "committed to improving the school".

Most of the parents and carers who shared their views are reportedly "positive" about the school and many "value the nurture and support that their children receive".

The school has challenged Ofsted's 'inadequate' rating with a formal complaint.

In a letter to parents, Executive Headteacher Rachel Pattison and Head of School Liz Threlfall said: "This was our fourth inspection together as a team, and on each occasion, we have felt that, whilst the outcomes at times were challenging, the process was fair and transparent.

"Sadly, we felt that this was not the case in June and therefore raised this with Ofsted.

"We challenged a number of aspects of the report's findings, which included significant concern around the procedural aspect of the inspection which we felt had an impaction the final outcome.

"Over the last three months we have submitted our initial concerns and made a formal complaint.

"Ofsted have upheld one aspect of the complaint where they acknowledge that 'leaders were not given sufficient opportunity to respond to Ofsted's concerns and provide evidence to counter the findings'. However, they have not upheld any other aspect. 

"Whilst we recognise that no school is perfect and there is always room for improvement, we feel enormous disappointment that the hard work and effort that all staff on every level put into providing for our community has gone unrecognised.

"This outcome means that our school will now join a multi-academy trust that will be determined by the Department for Education South West Regional Director."

Click here to read the report.