Exclusive By Kelly Eve Education Reporter

Last updated at 15:22, Friday, 24 February 2012

A primary school has completed a two-year transformation to turn around its failings.

Teacher Laura Hopkins with Charlie Burnett and Nikita Price

Staff, governors, parents and pupils at St Cuthbert’s Catholic Community School in Botcherby, Carlisle, are celebrating after being told they are coming out of “special measures”.

The school failed an Ofsted inspection two years ago when Government inspectors ruled it was providing an unacceptable standard of education.

That made it the only Cumbrian school that was officially failing. Under special measures, St Cuthbert’s received extra support and came under close scrutiny to ensure improvements were taking place.

School leaders were not given notice ahead of the most recent Ofsted visit, the inspection which found that St Cuthbert’s now provides a satisfactory quality of education.

Inspectors have praised the new leadership in place, stating the school has “strong capacity” to improve further.

They also found that the “learning environment has been transformed and morale is high”.

Their report adds that by working together staff, pupils and parents have tackled weaknesses and improved teaching and behaviour. Pupils’ achievement has improved significantly as a result.

Academic success at the end of year six, when pupils leave the school, is now close to the national average.

The school’s early years unit continues to get children off to a “flying start” and “consistently good teaching” in years five and six prepares children well for secondary school. Pupils’ behaviour and attendance has also improved.

The school has been asked to further improve teaching and pupils’ achievement.

Behaviour can be improved further too by giving pupils more responsibility within the school.

The school has had five headteachers since the stringent measures were introduced.

Headteacher Pauline Moss became headteacher last September. She said: “We’ve had fantastic support here from the diocese and the local authority and we’re now looking forward to more potential refurbishment.”

She now expects increasing numbers of children to join the full school when they are able to move up from the reception stage.

Martin Daley, chairman of governors, said: “I can see the school blossoming before my eyes now.”

First published at 14:10, Friday, 24 February 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk