Matthew Arnold Primary School was judged by OFSTED (October 2006) to be an ‘outstanding school doing a truly wonderful job in meeting the needs of all its pupils and provides outstanding value for money’. We are at the forefront of major educational developments for the twenty first century. In 2004, we opened a Neighbourhood Nursery providing full day care to the under fives for fifty weeks of the year. In September 2005 purpose designed facilities were opened to  accommodate an Assessment Centre and our Dingle Lane Children Centre services for the local community. The Riverside community and children at Matthew Arnold Primary School now enjoy services that truly fit into the 21st Century.

As an inclusive community of well qualified staff, parents, children and friends it is our shared aim to give each child the best education and start in life that we can. Our staff hold a range of experience and knowledge that enables us to provide services and approaches to our pupils that will support each child and give them the opportunity to reach their true potential. That is why we would like you to visit the school and get a real feeling for what it is like here.

We occupy a modern design, purpose built building that was opened in June 1999 and added to in 2005, although a school has stood on this site since 1908. So we have a long history in serving the community which helps to maintain a sense of belonging and identity.

It is our aim to be a centre of excellence where pupils and adults are successfully supported and encouraged to discover new horizons and develop their true potential. We are an inclusive school and strive to give all pupils an equal opportunity to achieve and develop. In the 2005, 2006 and 2007 performance tables Matthew Arnold Primary School has been in the top 100 schools, across the country, for sustained value added achievement of pupils from their arrival in Nursery to their leaving at the end of Year 6. This reflects our commitment to your children.

I hope that you feel Matthew Arnold Primary School is where you would like your child to be. In placing your child into our school you will be entering into a partnership of shared commitment, with a genuine ambition for their success and growth into the future. But don’t take my word for it, read our OFSTED report by clicking here.

Gary Mason

Headteacher and Head of Centre