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Cooks Spinney has been praised by Ofsted for its “significant” improvement which places it in the top nine per cent of schools nationally.

Cooks Spinney was visited over two days in June and a report recently published graded the school as Good in every category.

The report highlighted the 2016 SATs results as “outstanding” and commented on good progress, rising attainment and good behaviour and said parents agree that their children feel happy, safe and well cared for in school.

Stuart Pope, executive head, said: “Cooks Spinney has never received a Good grading from Ofsted in its history, but now the school is considered Good in every area. Just a couple of years ago, the school was considered to be failing.

“We believe this school is outstanding and that is echoed by the reputation it now has around the town.

“That turnaround has been quite remarkable.”

Cooks Spinney became part of the Burnt Mill Academy Trust in 2013 and has seen huge improvements in belief and achievement since.

The report stated: “School leaders, working closely with the Trust, are changing the culture of the school. Pupils increasingly realise traits such as resilience and effort lead to success. They are aspirational for the future.”

The school, previously given a Requires Improvement report, had already gained high praise from a variety of education leaders before the official inspection took place.

With its SATs results placing it in the top quartile of Essex schools as well as establishing it as the best primary school in Harlow, congratulations had been received from Clare Kershaw, a director in the education department of Essex County Council; Nicola Woolf, primary lead commissioner on standards and excellence for Essex County Council; Nick Gibb MP, Minister of State for School Standards; as well as a positive visit from the office of regional school commissioner for the east of England, Dr Tim Coulson.

Mr Pope said: “We are grateful for the Good grading from Ofsted, but we know parents want to send their children to Cooks Spinney because we are offering something special.

“We are always working hard to make even more improvements and to make sure these children have an exceptional experience and leave with great outcomes. We are sending good quality young people into secondary school.” The full report can be read here.