Primary school upgraded to ‘good’ by Ofsted

Moulsecoomb Primary School in Brighton has been rated as good by Ofsted

A primary school in East Sussex has been rated as "good" by Ofsted – five years after inspectors said it was “inadequate”.

Moulsecoomb Primary School in Brighton joined The Pioneer Academy Trust three years ago despite vehement opposition from parents and a united Brighton & Hove City Council.

In its latest Ofsted report, inspectors highlighted that there was “high ambition” for all pupils, particularly those with special education needs and disabilities.

Headteacher Adam Sutton said the Ofsted rating reflected the school’s “nurturing and supportive ethos”.

The school has been rated as good in every category inspected by Ofsted.

Inspectors praised the school for being “friendly and inclusive”, describing pupils as “happy and proud”.

Ofsted also noted that since the school joined The Pioneer Academy Trust, pupils’ attainment had improved.

Mr Sutton said: “We are very proud of our school and delighted that this report reflects the immense progress that has been made.

“The support we have received from The Pioneer Academy has truly enabled our whole school to thrive.”

Lee Mason-Ellis, chief executive of The Pioneer Academy, added: “Thank you to all our staff for their dedication to providing the best possible education and care, and thank you to all Moulsecoomb’s pupils, parents and carers and wider community for their support.”

The school was rated inadequate in its last full inspection by Ofsted in 2019.

The same year, more than 2,150 parents and carers signed a petition against the decision to join the academy.