Whitby's Airy Hill School celebrates landmark year after strong standard Ofsted report

The recent inspection saw Airy Hill awarded a Strong Standard judgement in five of the seven inspection areas, recognising the school’s exceptional work in attendance, behaviour, inclusion, leadership and governance, personal development and early years provision.

Inspectors praised a school where pupils thrive academically and personally, describing Airy Hill as a “calm and caring school” where children “feel safe, well cared for and supported” and “arrive at school with a smile.”

The Ofsted recognition caps an extraordinary year for the school.

End of Key Stage 2 outcomes are the strongest ever achieved at Airy Hill, with 96% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and

mathematics combined.

100% of pupils met the expected standard in reading and writing, while 96% achieved the expected standard in mathematics.

The results place Airy Hill among the highest performing schools nationally.

The school’s success begins in its youngest classrooms.

This year, 96% of pupils passed the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, continuing Airy Hill’s long-standing reputation for excellence in early reading.

Ofsted recognised this, noting that “pupils achieve consistently well in phonics” and that pupils’ achievement has “improved significantly over time.”

Headteacher Sam Butters said the report and results were a source of immense pride for the school community.

“Ofsted’s recognition of Airy Hill as a Strong Standard School is a wonderful achievement, but working with our children and families every day reminds us what success really looks like,” he said.

"Success is seeing children leave us as confident learners, caring individuals and responsible citizens, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges

ahead.

“This has been a landmark year.

"We have secured the highest outcomes in our history, placing us among the top 2% of schools nationally.

"Those achievements reflect the hard work of our pupils, the dedication of our staff and the support of our families, but our greatest source of pride will always be the remarkable young people who walk through our doors each day.”

Airy Hill is one of only 32 English Hubs nationally, recognised for its exceptional reading outcomes and expertise in the teaching of phonics and early reading.

Through this role, staff work alongside schools across the region to improve literacy teaching and help thousands more children develop a lifelong love of reading.

Inspectors also highlighted the school’s deeply inclusive culture and a particular source of pride was the recognition of the school’s Gold Rights

Respecting School Award, with inspectors acknowledging that pupils have a strong understanding of their rights and responsibilities.

Governors, staff, pupils and parents have all played a role in the school’s success.

Ofsted recognised the ambitious vision set by leaders and praised the school’s culture of continuous improvement, stating that leaders have secured “substantial improvements in many aspects of the school’s work over time.”

With record-breaking attainment, national recognition for its teaching expertise, a Gold Rights Respecting Schools Award and an Ofsted judgement confirming significant strengths across the school, 2026 will be remembered as a landmark year in Airy Hill’s history.

Airy Hill is looking forward to welcoming prospective families who are invited to attend one of the school’s Open Evenings on Monday November 9 and Monday November 16, from 4pm to 5pm.

Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the school, explore classrooms and facilities and meet teachers, current parents and pupils.

Mr Butters added: “We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved together as a school community, and we would be delighted to welcome prospective families to come and see Airy Hill in action.”

For more information, families are encouraged to contact the school office or attend one of the open evenings.

No booking is required.