Emmanuel Middle School in Verwood has been judged ‘good’ in its recent Ofsted report – a radical improvement since its last report.

In 2017 the school was placed in special measures but has been transformed in recent years.

Inspectors judged the school ‘good’ in all areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, as well as leadership and management.

The report states: “Pupils are keen to learn. They enjoy their lessons and the enthusiasm with which teachers share what they know. Relationships between pupils and staff are warm, caring and respectful. Pupils are well known by staff who care about their wellbeing as well as their learning.”

One parent says: “The nurturing environment and high expectations mean my children have thrived. This encapsulates the views of many others.”

Headteacher of the Church of England school, Rob Christopher, said: “Everything is underpinned by our core values, which are ‘excellence’, ‘endeavour’ and ‘enjoyment’. Since becoming part of Wimborne Academy Trust in 2018 all our staff have worked incredibly hard to improve every aspect of the school.

“When we first joined, our Executive Headteacher Ron Jenkinson began the process which I then continued. We were given a great deal of support by the Trust, and now we are in a position to offer support to other schools in the Trust – and that is exactly how it should work.

“Obviously we are all extremely happy with the Ofsted report. The inspectors pointed out a number of things that impressed them. The included our effective safeguarding, careers programme, extra-curricular activities and pupils’ spiritual development. We will now work hard to try and get up to the next category of ‘outstanding’ – something which very few schools achieve.”

Liz West, chief executive officer of WAT, added: “When Emmanuel joined us Rob showed that he had a plan to improve the school. The Trust was able to provide support which helped the school improve quickly. Parents were always positive about the changes and this has now been confirmed by the inspectors.

“It really is a super achievement by all the staff and indeed the children who are clearly benefiting from a fantastic education.”

Photo: (l-r) John Kingston, Chair of Trustees, Rob Christopher, headteacher, Liz West, CEO of WAT, and Brian Boyes, WAT’s Director of School Improvement lead.