Moat Farm Junior School in Oldbury has become one of the first schools in the country to receive the new 'exceptional' Ofsted rating for attendance and behaviour, the highest possible grade under the inspectorate's revised framework.
Exceptional rating for attendance and behaviour
Inspectors awarded the school the top mark in these two key areas during a recent visit, praising leaders for their nurturing culture and carefully structured routines. The school also achieved 'strong standard' ratings across all five other assessed areas, indicating top performance across the board.
The new grading system, introduced by Ofsted, replaces the single overall rating with multiple area-based grades, and the 'exceptional' tag replaces the former 'outstanding'. Only a handful of schools have so far received 'exceptional' in any category.
Ofsted praises nurturing culture and high attendance
In its report, Ofsted stated: "The school's nurturing culture and carefully structured routines ensure that pupils arrive each day ready to learn. Families understand clearly why regular attendance matters and leaders communicate this message with consistency and conviction. As a result, attendance remains high for all groups, including disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities."
The report added: "Leaders are tenacious in how they monitor attendance patterns and respond swiftly when concerns arise. Leaders identify individual barriers with precision and take thoughtful and practical actions to reduce them. As a result, the school's impressive above-average rates of attendance have been sustained over time."
Exemplary behaviour praised
Inspectors also highlighted exemplary pupil behaviour, noting: "Pupils' behaviour across the school is exemplary. Leaders' approach to behaviour promotes excellent self-regulation and equips pupils with habits that will serve them well beyond school. Expectations are explicit and reinforced throughout daily interactions. This ensures that pupils understand how to conduct themselves. Classrooms are purposeful and calm and pupils show genuine enthusiasm for their learning."
The school's success reflects a broader trend of improved standards in Black Country primary education, with Moat Farm Junior now serving as a model for others.
