Gresham village school has been praised by Ofsted inspector

An Ofsted inspection found Gresham Village School and Nursery to be meeting the expected standards in all areas.

The inspection of the 138-pupil school took place at the beginning of this academic year, between September 15 and 16.

Ofsted uses a new inspection regime replacing the one-word ratings of outstanding, good, requires improvement and inadequate.

The new framework grades with detailed report cards across several areas including achievement, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership, personal development and wellbeing, attendance and behaviour.

Gresham Village School and Nursery (Image: Google Maps)

Inspectors said: “Pupils are proud of their school. They enjoy positive, caring relationships with staff who know them as individuals.

“Staff go the extra mile to support pupils. Pastoral care is considered and responsive. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and other barriers to learning are well supported and thrive in school.”

Alongside praise were some areas of improvement, with attendance remaining below the national average – although inspectors said it is improving steadily.

Reading performance has been strong, with an 80pc three-year average reaching the expected standard, above the national average of 74pc.

Writing remains below the national average but is improving through provisions.

Ofsted said: “Leaders have introduced a new writing curriculum. Teachers are better supporting pupils to learn important early writing skills.”

Pupils celebrate the Ofsted report (Image: Supplied)

Headteacher Faye Herron took up her position in September 2025.

She said: "I am immensely proud of the progress our school has made, particularly in strengthening behaviour and inclusion for pupils.

"It was especially pleasing to see Ofsted recognise that 'staff go the extra mile for pupils' and that we take the time to really get to know every child as an individual.

"Those comments reflect the care and commitment shown by our staff every day. I would like to thank our staff and families for the support and encouragement they have given us.

"Together, we have created a strong and caring environment for our children, and this fantastic outcome is something we can all celebrate."

The school is part of the same trust, Synergy Multi Academy Trust, which shut Corpusty Primary School after pupil numbers dropped.