In a commendable assessment by government inspectors, Willand School has been recognized for its outstanding efforts, earning a ‘good’ rating across all inspected areas. This achievement is attributed to the dedicated contributions of staff, governors, and notably, the school's former headteacher, Anne Hawkins.

Anne Hawkins, who retired in December after an impressive 28-year tenure, left a lasting impact on the school. Her leadership was instrumental in cultivating an environment focused on academic excellence and communal values. The full inspection conducted by Ofsted in January revealed a school thriving in various domains—educational quality, pupil development, leadership, and early years provision.

Nicky McMahon, the lead inspector, lauded the school for being "inclusive and welcoming," providing a "safe and happy environment" for its pupils. McMahon emphasized the positive and confident attitudes of the children towards their learning experience, a testament to the supportive atmosphere fostered by the staff.

The school not only focuses on academic prowess but also on moral and social development, integrating values of "tolerance, equality, and respect" into the school culture. The curriculum, particularly in mathematics and science, encourages revisiting prior learning, which aids in deepening understanding and retention.

A newly introduced writing curriculum aims to enhance the quality of students’ written output, though it was noted that more time is needed for it to be fully integrated. Despite this, the school's commitment to high standards remains evident, with plans in place to address any inconsistencies and continue its trajectory of improvement.

Naomi Tottle, the current headteacher at Willand School, expressed her delight at the recognition: “We are delighted that our school has been recognized as ‘good’. It is down to the hard work of staff and governors as well as that of our former headteacher Anne. Her influence and the changes she put in place have significantly contributed to our school’s improved rating.”

The report from Ofsted confirms that Willand School not only meets but exceeds expectations in creating a nurturing and enriching educational environment, promising a bright future for its pupils.