School puts years of failure behind it
A school which was once condemned because of its high rates of teacher absenteeism and poor results has won a national award for outstanding leadership.
The Duston School held the record for the longest any school had been classed as failing by Ofsted, having spent more than seven years at the bottom of education league tables.
But after turning performance around, it is now regarded as rapidly improving and its senior leadership team has been named best in the country, at awards run by the Times Educational Supplement (TES).
Headteacher Jane Herriman said: "This award is really very important and shows improved leadership among not just the staff, but among the young people too.
"We believe that leadership qualities are key to ensure success in future life, and the award is designed to reward innovation and flair among our teachers and pupils.
"It is fantastic for the local community to know that a school like The Duston School can turn things around and win an important national award such as this one."
School governors nominated the leadership team initially, after which the school had to submit a 500-word essay detailing its achievements. The senior leadership team was presented with its award at a ceremony at the Hilton hotel in Park Lane, London, on Tuesday.
In the awards citation, the TES said of Duston: "Once the secondary with the longest-held failing label, last May it became a 'rapidly improving' school with outstanding and decisive leadership.
"Support mechanisms for pupils, staff and parents have produced a dramatic improvement in attendance among pupils and staff.
"Distributed leadership is integral and all staff receive personalised professional development."
One other school in Northamptonshire to reach the finals was Titchmarsh Primary School, which was recognised for its outstanding numeracy initiative.
The citation read: "Pupils have benefited from an increased confidence in numeracy and Sat grades also improved."
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