The school was rated Good by Inspectors, following a one-day inspection which took place in November, with the report emphasising some of the excellent achievements of the popular school, which is part of the Pennine Trust, a Pendle-based multi-academy trust.

Ofsted praised teaching and learning at the school stating that “leaders have set out a broad, balanced and interesting curriculum, which makes good use of the school’s location.” Inspectors noted that teachers had strong subject knowledge and check regularly how well pupils remember important knowledge, adding that “in lessons, staff ask questions to identify where pupils need more support.”

As well as providing a “carefully structured curriculum,” inspectors highlighted “the wide range of after-school clubs, including coding, art and different sports” and that “pupils find out about the wider world” and learn “important social skills, such as what it is to be a good friend to others.”

Inspectors found that pupils and staff were extremely positive about the school and reported that “Leaders, staff and pupils work closely to fulfil the school mission to be respectful, collaborative and ambitious.”  During the visit, inspectors observed that pupils were “excited to arrive at school each morning.” And that “relationships between staff and pupils are warm and friendly.” 

The important role played by the Pennine Trust was also highlighted, with inspectors commending the “wide ranging and effective support” to the school, whilst offering staff “frequent opportunities to visit other schools in the trust to work collaboratively to share expertise.”

Finally, the inspectors observed that “Leaders have strengthened systems to ensure that the needs of pupils with SEND” were “identified quickly and accurately” and that support enabled “pupils with SEND to achieve well.”

Kate Richards, Headteacher at Blacko Primary School said:

Everyone at Blacko Primary School is delighted with the feedback provided by Ofsted and I am very proud of the dedication and commitment of our staff team. This result reflects a significant, whole team effort to improve the education of each and every one of our pupils whilst providing a welcoming community which develops our children into well-rounded and thoughtful individuals. All of our staff, families and young people have played a central role in ensuring that the school continues to provide an excellent education that prepares children for an ambitious future of learning and opportunities.

John Tarbox, Chief Executive Officer of The Pennine Trust said:

I am thrilled that inspectors praised the things we have all been concentrating on at Blacko. In particular, the trust values being very much in evidence, the strong curriculum and wide range of extra-curricular activities as well as the levels of support offered to all pupils to ensure each individual thrives.  My thanks go to Kate Richards and the wider staff team along with congratulations on achieving this excellent report.

Local MP, Andrew Stephenson said:

I am delighted that Blacko Primary has maintained it’s Ofsted ‘Good’ rating and I offer my congratulations to Kate Richards and her team of excellent teachers.

This is the first Ofsted inspection Blacko Primary has had since joining the Pennine Trust group of local schools, and I commend the work of the Trust in providing quality education to pupils across Pendle.

To read the final report, click here: Blacko Primary School Ofsted Report