Ofsted’s Chief Inspector visits Paradigm school

Paradigm Trust’s Murrayfield Primary Academy was chosen by Ofsted, the body responsible for inspecting standards in English schools, as the place to launch its annual report.

Ofsted chose Murrayfield because of the dramatic transformation that has taken place since Paradigm Trust took over its management in 2017. Previously judged to be failing, the latest report from Ofsted rates Murrayfield as ‘good’ and highlights the considerable progress made.

The report also notes that the school’s subject leaders have benefited from being able to work with other leaders across Paradigm Trust.

Bill Holledge, Paradigm’s CEO, said: “Our vision is to develop and sustain great schools where we can make the biggest difference to pupils. Murrayfield is a wonderful example of what that vision looks like in real life.”

Murrayfield principal Neil Winn said: “We are thrilled that Ofsted chose Murrayfield as the launch pad for its annual report. It’s a vindication of what we’ve been doing here and recognition for the efforts of pupils, parents and staff.”

Speaking about her visit to Murrayfield, Amanda Spielman, Ofsted’s chief inspector, said: “Murrayfield is just a very lovely school. It was great to be able to see the children at work and reading so well. I was also pleased to see such a well-thought-through curriculum in action and the staff pulling together and having that shared vision of what they can achieve.

“Each year, when we film for the launch of our report, we choose a school that’s really interesting to highlight. I asked our inspectors to name a school that had been inspected under our new framework that had been particularly interesting and good and they suggested Murrayfield.”