Parish goes from Strength to Strength
Back in 2017, Skipton Parish Church of England Primary School was placed in special measures, but seven years on it’s a whole new story for the school as staff and students thrive there.
In June 2024, staff and students at the school were delighted to announce the news that they had been graded ‘Good’ by Inspectors.
Full of emotion, Headteacher Miss Lucy Peberdy said,
“The journey of our school from when it was placed in special measures in 2017 to now has been a long and challenging one. I am so proud to lead such a dedicated team, who share my determination to make our school a place where everyone is empowered to be the best they can be. I tried to explain to the lead inspector what it means to be 'Parish' and the only way I could come close, was by telling him we do everything from our hearts”.
The school is supported by a committed governing body, chaired by David Portlock who was delighted with the inspection report saying,
“It recognises the effort and dedication of everyone who is involved with Parish Primary School in providing excellent education and development for all of our children."
It is no wonder the attendance at this wonderful, warm and welcoming primary was also recognised as good, both staff and students love coming into school and they can now be proud that they have lived up to the Skipton Parish statement: Believing and achieving together.
The good work of the staff and students of Parish has continued to be recognised in their recent statutory inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) inspection.
SIAMS explore ways in which Church schools’ theologically rooted Christian vision drives their work and enables these types of schools to live up to their church foundation.
The recently published SIAMS report celebrates many aspects of the way in which Skipton Parish live out their Christian vision, noting,
‘Deeply respectful and affirming relationships encourage and strengthen the school community, creating a strong sense of belonging.’
Christian values are deeply embedded and lived out in daily actions by staff and pupils both in the curriculum and elsewhere, the report referred to this stating,
‘A lot of thought is given to the way in which all pupils regardless of their starting points thrive.’
The inspection concluded that,
’The Christian vision is at the heart of leaders’ thoughts and actions at Skipton Parish Church of England School. The vision permeates every aspect of its life. It is inspired by the parable of the mustard seed, using the analogy of a tiny seed growing and developing into a strong plant. Pupils and adults strive to live out the vision and ‘be the best we can be’. The school has been on a journey over the last few years and the vision has driven transformational change and improvement.’
Jane Goodwin, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust commented:
“I am so proud of what this school has achieved as part of the Trust with the commitment and hard work of staff all pulling together for the benefit of our children. It is great that Ofsted and SIAMS have both recognised Skipton Parish for the fantastic learning environment that it truly is”.
