Bottom-of-table school pulls itself up

Spring Hill County Primary School, Accrington, was ordered to raise standards by a team from Ofsted - the Office for Standards in Education - following an inspection in December 1997.

The school was ranked below all other primary schools in East Lancashire in a league table published in February this year, which was based on results of National Curriculum tests for 11-year-olds taken in 1998.

But the Exchange Street school has been removed from the special measures list after inspectors recently found 100 per cent of teaching to be satisfactory or above.

The school was told it has achieved a 'significant rise in standards', particularly in levels of academic achievement.

Inspectors called for urgent action to be taken in their report February last year, describing a third of teaching as unsatisfactory.

A standards squad found "serious weaknesses" affecting the quality of education provided. Test results were said to be well below national averages and although some examples of good teaching were found, a third of lessons were said to be "less than satisfactory."

The school faced further inspections and was ordered to improve the quality of teaching, levels of achievement, ensure better attendance and improve leadership and management.

Head teacher Stephanie Grimshaw said: "We're delighted to have been removed from the list.

"We have been following the action plan and pushing the children along for some time. I'd like to thank everyone involved including the Local Education Authority.

"It has been a team effort and we are determined to continue with the improvements. The children have also risen to the challenge magnificently."

County Coun Tony Martin, chairman of governors, thanked parents for their help and encouragement while Spring Hill faced special measures.

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