Prudhoe Castle First School Celebrates Positive Ofsted Outcome

Prudhoe Castle First School is proudly celebrating the outcome of its recent Ofsted inspection, which confirms the school is delivering high-quality education and care across all key areas.

Following a two-day inspection in March 2025, Ofsted rated the school Good in every category: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. 

The report praises Prudhoe Castle First School as the “little school with a big heart and big ambition,” and notes that pupils are happy and feel safe. Inspectors highlighted the school’s caring and inclusive culture, strong curriculum, and high expectations for all learners. Children are described as “settled,” “respectful,” and “keen to meet the school’s high expectations.”

The inspection recognised the strength of leadership at all levels, crediting the collaboration between the school, its governors, and Cheviot Learning Trust. Leaders are described as being “determined that every pupil will succeed,” with the support of experienced staff from across the Trust.

The school's early years provision, known as Little Castle, was especially praised for giving the youngest children a “great start to their learning,” and older pupils were recognised for their leadership as school councillors and play leaders. Inspectors also commended the school’s commitment to inclusion, noting that “pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) achieve well and play a full part in the life of the school.”

The report also provided some feedback on areas like handwriting and mathematics lessons, which the school has already started to take action on and improve to make the school thrive further. 

Jill Dodds, Acting Executive Headteacher, expressed her pride in the school’s achievement:

“Prudhoe Castle First School has a Big Heart and Big Ambition for all of our children and this is reflected in our most recent OFSTED report. I couldn’t be prouder of the children, staff, and Castle community who all played a part in achieving this wonderful report.

As the Acting Executive Headteacher, I’d like to sing from the rooftops about this significant achievement for our school and celebrate all of the hard work going on, to help our school continue to go from strength to strength.

At Prudhoe Castle First School, we strive to #bemoreCASTLE every day, and the report shows this. We will continue to work hard, do our best, and #bemoreCASTLE!”

With its clear vision, supportive culture, and ambitious leadership, Prudhoe Castle First School continues to be a place where children thrive, a shining example within the Cheviot Learning Trust schools.