St Andrew’s CE Primary School has received an extremely positive OfSTED report following its recent inspection in June, removing it from OfSTED’s ‘serious weakness’ category. According to the report, St Andrew’s is ‘improving rapidly under the strong leadership of the headteacher and governors’. Headteacher, Michelle Thomas, receives recognition for being an ‘excellent role model who has skilfully led the series of changes needed to put the school on an even keel’. The report outlines the following strengths which contribute to the excellent report: Highly effective leadership that is providing clear direction for the school and has resulted in improvements being made of considerable benefit to the pupils’ achievement. Rigorous and systematic procedures have been introduced to monitor the work of staff and to evaluate how well the school is doing. The school provides a wide range of clubs and other activities as well as extension opportunities for gifted and talented pupils. This provides good support for learning outside the school day. Parents are well informed about the day-to-day life of the school and their child’s progress. The school is a calm but purposeful place in which pupils feel secure. The school has a good team of teachers who share the headteacher’s commitment to raise the achievement of all pupils and who are in a strong position to do so. The school looks after its pupils well. Headteacher, Michelle Thomas said: ‘This excellent OfSTED report recognises the hard work, determination and many achievements of our whole school community. I am particularly proud that the inspectors were so impressed with how much the school has improved since its last inspection. St Andrew's is a wonderful place to be and I am happy to be part of its success.' Since the school’s last inspection in June 2002, inspectors have judged that the school has made ‘satisfactory progress’, although it states that ‘improvement over the last six months (when Michelle Thomas took over as headteacher) is much more rapid.’ The report also comments on the school’s test results which are ‘higher in all areas’, and teaching in the school which has ‘improved considerably since the last inspection’. Bill Clark, Director of Schools’ Services, CEA@Islington said: ‘The staff, pupils and parents of St Andrew’s have much to be proud of. They have all worked extremely hard to achieve the results outlined in this report and be removed from OfSTED’s ‘serious weakness’ category. It is clear that the whole school is committed to the highest standards and Michelle and her team are to be congratulated on the schools’ success’. Councillor James Kempton, Islington council’s executive member for children said: ‘I’m delighted that OfSTED have recognised the hard work that has resulted in the outstanding improvements within St Andrew’s School. Staff, parents and pupils alike can look to the future with new confidence. The tide has turned - ambitious standards have been set and I believe we can look forward to the school bringing good things to the community.’ Ends
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008