Bishop of Crediton presents Church School Inspection certificate to St Nicholas Junior, Sidmouth

PUPILS at Sidmouth’s St Nicholas Church of England Junior School, met the Bishop of Crediton, the Right Reverend Bob Evens on Monday, during a visit to the school to present it with an ‘outstanding’ Church School Inspection certificate.

News that the Woolbrook Road school had been rated up from good to outstanding by the Diocese of Exeter, came just weeks after Ofsted dropped the school’s ranking from good to satisfactory.

The bishop addressed the 341 pupils at assembly, then visited classrooms to answer their questions, including some enquiring ones about God and faith.

Head teacher, Paul Walker, said: “He congratulated everyone for their hard work, particularly saying to the children they need to thank adults and leaders.

“He congratulated them on how they conduct themselves within the Christian community and said they should be really proud of the report.”

Mr Walker said he was delighted with the outstanding ranking when the report was published last term.

He said: “In all areas the school has worked really hard to improve and our efforts have been recognised by being upgraded from good to outstanding. I am really thrilled.”

Mr Walker said the school worked hard to maintain its Christian distinctiveness and had support from governors and local clergy.

Diocese inspector Wendy Simmons said of St Nicks: “The head teacher leads a committed team of enthusiastic staff and governors who co-operate very well together for the benefit of all children.

“Parents spoken to are very happy with their children’s education….The excellent Christian ethos of the school is evident in every aspect of school life.”

Her inspection was a real boost to the school following its Ofsted downgrading.