Islington’s Clerkenwell Parochial School has made significant improvements in recent years and has been rated as ‘good’ by Ofsted inspectors.
The school - which was classed as ‘satisfactory’ in 2006 – has thrived under the ‘excellent leadership from the executive headteacher and good support from Governors, other senior leaders and staff.’
Inspectors visited the school in January this year and commented on the ‘consistently good’ teaching that is helping standards to rise at the school. Exam results have steadily improved in recent years and Year 6 pupils in 2008 exceeded the challenging targets that were set for them.
Pupils play their part in the improvements that have been made at Clerkenwell. Their ‘behaviour in class and around the school is consistently good’ which means that lessons run smoothly. Pupils also get on well with each other and have ‘positive relationships’ with adults at the school.
Islington Council's Executive Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Paula Belford said: “I recently visited Clerkenwell School and I can see why they have received this positive feedback from Ofsted. The school has a very warm and welcoming atmosphere and pupils obviously enjoy their time there. The staff, pupils, parents and Governors have worked really hard over the last few years to make important improvements and their dedication is paying off. Clerkenwell is another example of how Islington school are helping to give children in the borough the best start in life."
The proportion of pupils speaking English as an additional language at Clerkenwell is above average, with Bengali, Tigrinya and Yoruba among the most common languages spoken. Inspectors found these children receive excellent support so that they are soon as confident as their other classmates.
Oftsed were impressed by the number of pupils who are enthusiastically engaged in the school community. Some are members of the school council, whilst others act as monitors who ensure safety along the school corridors and support younger pupils. Outside of lesson times, pupils have the chance to take part in trips to places of interest and visits to the school from specialists such as local artists are also organised. These opportunities were found to add to pupil enjoyment at the school.
Strong emphasis is also given to pupils' physical and social development at Clerkenwell with a good range of sporting activities offered outside of lessons.
This has lead to the school being awarded the national Activemark.
Clerkenwell Parochial School is run by executive head Ann Dwulit and head of school Matthew O’Brien. Ann Dwulit said: "Clerkenwell Parochial is a fabulous school. The whole school community is extremely pleased that Ofsted recognised Clerkenwell to be a good school. We are looking forward to a very bright future and continued success."
The strong support from parents at Clerkenwell who are impressed by improvements at the school was also noted by Ofsted. One parent gave a typical description of it, saying 'it's warm and welcoming and the teachers seem to care very much for the children. It is also very well led... A great, happy school!'
ENDS.
Page Last Updated: 12 June 2009