Skip to content ↓

Bedfordshire Schools Trust

Castle Newnham School Celebrates Positive OFSTED

Castle Newnham School in Bedford is celebrating a complete set of strong and positive outcomes following a recent Ofsted Inspection.

The Primary provision at Castle Newnham School was inspected under the new framework and successfully awarded ‘Expected Standard’ grades across ALL areas!

  • Achievement
  • Attendance and Behaviour
  • Curriculum and Teaching
  • Early Years
  • Inclusion
  • Leadership and Governance
  • Personal Development and Wellbeing

The report confirmed that the school has met all safeguarding standards. As a result, pupils are made safer and feel safe.

Inspectors acknowledged that typically, pupils’ behaviour across the school is ‘calm, respectful and purposeful’. They also noted that ‘Pupils are proud of their school community. They embrace the school value of respect in all they do. Pupils feel safe and well cared for by staff

The school, which joined BEST (Bedfordshire Schools Trust) in 2024, welcomed Inspectors on March 17th, and was extremely proud to showcase life at Castle Newnham. The outcome highlights the Primary school’s successes under the former leadership of Mrs Kat Edwards; 

This Ofsted report reflects the hard work, dedication and heart of the entire Castle Newnham community, and it was a privilege to lead the school and ensure this success was secured. Having moved on from Castle Newnham just 7 days after the inspection, I carry immense pride in what we achieved together. 

The report captures so many of the strengths I saw every day — the calm, purposeful learning, the kindness of pupils, the commitment of staff and the unwavering support of families. Castle Newnham is a special place, and I am delighted that the inspection team recognised the quality of education, care and opportunity that children experience. I now wish Mrs Neely-Hayes and the extended Senior Leadership team the best of luck in continuing the success in years to come. (Mrs Kat Edwards, former Primary Headteacher, Castle Newnham School)

Looking ahead, the success of the school, as shown in the report, provides the secure and established foundations for a smooth transition to a single ‘all-through’ provision from age 4-18 years, under the new leadership of Mrs Donna Neely-Hayes;

“This success belongs to our entire school community, and it is a testament to the years of hard work under the leadership of Mrs Edwards. The commitment of the entire staff body to the school has left us with an exceptional foundation, and it is a privilege to lead such an inspiring group of staff and pupils as we step into this next chapter.

I am genuinely excited to build upon this work and to continue our journey of excellence alongside one of the most wonderful communities I have ever had the pleasure of working with.” (Mrs Neely-Hayes, Principal, Castle Newnham School)

Helen Ryan, Chair of Governors for Castle Newnham school, was overjoyed that OFSTED has recognised the strength of the primary provision at Castle Newnham. “Mrs Edwards and the team have worked with passion and commitment to achieve these outcomes and we are really well-placed to go from strength to strength as Bedford’s first all through school.”

Dr Alan Lee, CEO of BEST was also delighted to see the report celebrating the many strengths of this very special community; 

BEST is immensely proud of Castle Newnham School (CNS). The inspection team have rightly highlighted that pupils achieve well, relationships with staff and other pupils are highly positive and they both respect and are kind to each other.  Pupils feel like they belong and they look forward to exciting days at school, wow!  My thanks and congratulations to all in the CNS community, this report is a wonderful testament to all you do, each and every day.

To view the full report, please visit the school website: Castle Newnham Ofsted 

If you would like to find out more about CNS becoming an all-through school, or if you are interested in joining Castle Newnham, please get in touch. We warmly encourage tours of the school. 


 

Cookie Policy