Primary school lifts itself to top of the class
Castle Primary School in Northampton has been judged top of the class by Ofsted in its latest annual report.
The school, in St George's Street, was rated outstanding for the first time ever, just eight years after Military Road Lower School – its predecessor – was placed in the 'concern' category.
Castle was one of 13 schools, 46 childcare providers and three social care providers that were given the highest award in Ofsted's 2008/09 annual report published today.
Nearly seven out of 10 schools nationwide were judged good or outstanding (69 per cent) – up from 59 per cent in 2005/6.
Castle's headteacher, Leigh Wolmarans, called the turnaround a "great achievement", adding: "We believe in placing the children at the centre of our school, they have a genuine say, which helps them take a real pride in Castle Primary.
"When a child leaves the school for higher education our aim is to have identified exactly what it is they are good at, be it academic, sporting or artistic.
"Combined with a dedicated team of teachers who consistently go above and beyond the call of duty, we've found a real recipe for success."
Hartwell Church of England Primary School, near Northampton, was named outstanding for the third time running.
Headteacher Jayne Clancy said: "Despite our success we are never complacent, constantly seeking to identify ways in which we can further improve provision for our children. They deserve the very best and it is our job to ensure that they get it."
The report's findings can be found at www.ofsted.gov.uk
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