A WHITEHILL primary school has achieved a “good” Ofsted rating after being put in “special measures” four years ago.

Woodlea Primary School, on Atholl Road, was placed in special measures in 2013 following an Ofsted inspection. But it has now been deemed “good” in all categories.

Since the special-measures judgement, the school has had to make improvements in all areas and staff are now said to be “delighted” with the recent Ofsted report, following an inspection in June.

“This is a good school,” Ofsted reports. “Leaders and governors have successfully led improvements to the quality of teaching and, consequently, pupils’ progress has accelerated.

“The headteacher, ably supported by the senior leadership team and governing body, has played a pivotal role in creating an inclusive and ambitious culture. Pupils are well cared for and feel safe. They behave well and are friendly and mutually supportive.”

Headteacher Marcella Dobson added: “We are very lucky to have such amazing grounds and are able to offer forest schools to every class annually.

“We use the outdoors as much as possible and then try to make the curriculum as interesting as we can by offering regular themed weeks, such as entrepreneurial week, science week, arts week and multicultural week. We run a camp for year four annually and have increased our extra-curricular activities. The children really are proud of their school, and our recent Ofsted team were very fair.

“We have fantastic teachers, a great team of staff and the children here are very happy. Woodlea is a great place to be.”

Headteacher Marcella Dobson is pictured with the school council and the Ofsted report. Picture order no: BD39-126-17 (bordonherald.com).