October 2023
St Matthew’s Church of England Primary School in Ipswich is celebrating achieving a ‘good’ Ofsted rating in all areas. The report recognised that the “pupils are exceptionally well cared for” and “parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school”
Headteacher Darren Gates said: “Having worked at St Matthew’s for over 20 years, the school has a special place in my heart. The challenges that face our families have increased over the years, but so too have the resilience and dedication of our staff. We were thrilled that the Ofsted inspection recognised the context of our school and the dynamics of our cohort. Pupils and staff totally embody our vision ‘whatever you do, do it with all your heart’.”
The early years provision was rated ‘outstanding’.
“Children make an outstanding start to their education in early years. They settle quickly into class routines and make exceptionally strong progress from the start.”
This was the school’s first Ofsted inspection since joining the St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocesan MAT in 2019.
Jane Sheat, MAT CEO, said: “I am so pleased that St Matthew’s Church of England Primary School has achieved another ‘good’ rating from Ofsted. I am particularly pleased that the school’s early years provision has been judged outstanding. Mr Gates and his team should feel very proud of what they have achieved at the school and I look forward to their continuing success as part of the MAT.”