A primary school in Letchworth has received a downgraded rating following a recent Ofsted inspection.

St Thomas More Roman Catholic Primary School has been rated 'Good' by Ofsted, down from the 'Outstanding' rating it received during the previous inspection in 2009.

The most recent inspection, carried out earlier this year, rated the school as 'Good' in every category of inspection:

  • Quality of education
  • Behaviour and attitudes
  • Personal development
  • Leadership and management
  • Early years provision

The report said that the school could, however, improve in some areas.

Inspectors found that "not all staff have received the training they need to support less-confident readers in Key Stage 2 to develop their reading fluency", and that "some aspects of the early years curriculum are not implemented consistently well across the early years foundation stage".

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In a letter to parents, headteacher Mrs Perry wrote: "We are extremely pleased to share the news with you that during a recent visit from Ofsted, they found that pupils of St Thomas More Roman Catholic Primary School are 'enthusiastic about learning and speak knowledgeably about the broad range of subjects that they study'.

"We are proud that Ofsted have highlighted that our 'pupils value the wide range of opportunities they have to develop their interests in music, drama and sport' and that 'they are proud of the contribution they make to the life of the school'.

"This is our first Ofsted inspection since converting to academy status and joining the Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust family of schools in 2012, and I'm thrilled that our school's success continues to be recognised.

"Please be reassured that we have carefully considered the improvements identified by Ofsted in the report and these are already being addressed to ensure our school is the very best it can be.

"I would like to thank our fantastic team; governors, teachers, teaching assistants, midday supervisors, office and premises staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure our school community thrives, especially during the pandemic; our pupils who continue to be a credit to the school; and as always, our supportive families."