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Prime Minister praises "fantastic" school improvements

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This is a text-only version of an article first published on Friday, 19 September 2014. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.


THE Prime Minister David Cameron has praised a Church of England School that has been classified as good by Government inspectors. St John the Evangelist CE Primary School in Carterton was removed from special measures after the Ofsted inspection in July.

In a letter to the school, Mr Cameron said: "This really is a fantastic achievement and well deserved by you and your staff.

I know how pleased you all must be and I am sure that pupils and their parents are very grateful for your hard work and dedication. " St John's falls within the PM's Witney constituency. The school has now been given a small number of areas for improvement before it can be classed as "outstanding".

The inspection took place in July and the subsequent report noted: "The headteacher and senior leaders are driving improvement.

Strong teamwork and skilful leadership has created a renewed vigour and culture for learning. "They said: "There has been a significant shift in the quality of teaching this year.

Pupils now benefit from teaching that is at least good, and some that is outstanding.

"The behaviour of pupils is good.

Pupils' conduct in lessons and around the school shows they take responsibility for themselves and care about those around them.

Senior leaders and governors have clear ambition to become an outstanding school.

There has been a relentless drive to raise standards and enable pupils to achieve well. "Head Teacher, Mark Smith, said: "We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of the inspection.

Since the last inspection, we have secured good practice in all key stages and areas of the school's work.

The success of our school is down to the hard work and commitment of the school community.

We have a highly dedicated staff team, wonderful children and a supportive parent body. "Chair of Governors, the Revd Bill Blakey, Team Rector of Brize Norton and Carterton, said; "I am delighted that the school has been moved out of 'special measures' and is now rated 'Good' by Ofsted.

Special mention has to be made of ourteaching staff and teaching assistants who have shown dedication, perseverance and commitment in the long and demanding journey the school has been through.

I am also grateful to the governor team who have worked very hard behind the scenes and the support the school has received from both the Local Authority and Oxford Diocese.

The Governors and Senior Leaders of the school see this as just the first step in what will be a continuing process of improvement that will focus on delivering the highest possible standards of education for all our children.

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