A TEIGNBRIDGE primary school devastated by flooding last year has received a welcome boost from Ofsted. 

Kenton Primary School was forced to move out following the floods which caused significant damage to the building and destroyed books, furniture and equipment. 

Despite the upheaval, the school has received a Good rating from the latest Ofsted inspection. 

Described as a ‘remarkable’ achievement given the challenges, school leaders say the ‘positive outcome’ is testament to the ‘resilience, dedication and hard work of the whole school community including staff, pupils and parents’. 

Following the flood, the school community rallied together and a new, temporary home was found at Hope Church in nearby Dawlish. 

It was set up quickly and meant staff were able to ensure the education of the 60 remained uninterrupted.

Executive headteacher Lorraine Curry said: ‘We are thrilled with the Good rating from Ofsted.

‘This achievement reflects the collective effort of our staff, pupils, and parents. 

‘It validates our commitment to providing an excellent education for every child at Kenton Primary School.

‘This year has been very challenging, but our school family has shone, and I am incredibly proud of the team and the children.’

The Ofsted report commended the school for its ‘high-quality and ambitious’ curriculum. 

Inspectors highlighted the school’s opportunities for pupils’ personal development and enrichment along with their strong commitment to student well-being.  The school’s inclusive ethos, the ‘Kenton Way’ was a key highlight of the report. 

The school says the report serves as a ‘milestone’.

Repair work is ongoing with the cost thought to run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

It is not yet know when the staff and children will be able to move back.  

Ofsted inspectors said: ‘The pupils, school leaders and the community of Kenton Primary School have faced challenges that, thankfully, most schools never experience. 

‘A devasting flood in September 2023 meant the school had to seek a temporary home.

‘The school also had the extra challenge of having to replace all of their resources, including restocking their school library. 

‘However, this has not prevented the school from ensuring the education of pupils and the well-being of families remained their top priority.’