School work pays off
A FAILING Manchester inner city primary school has astounded inspectors who say it has ‘risen like a Phoenix from the ashes.’
St Kentigern’s Primary in Fallowfield had been given the worst-possible rating by Ofsted, who uncovered a catalogue of failures.
But in just two years, the school has gone from being rated ‘inadequate’ to ‘outstanding’ by the education watchdog... in an almost unprecedented turnaround.
The transformation began when a new headteacher and deputy were brought in and introduced dramatic changes in just one term - bringing in more experienced teachers and closely monitoring children’s reading and progress. New head Barbara Harrold was praised by inspectors as an ‘inspirational leader,’ supported by a ‘highly skilled’ deputy and a team of ‘willing, enthusiastic and highly committed senior and middle leaders.’
Mrs Harrold and deputy Madeline Muldoon both started at the school in April 2015 having worked together before.
Mrs Harrold told the MEN: “We have put the children at the heart of everything we do, and every decision we make is based on the impact it will have on them and their learning.
“They know that only their best is good enough, and they know that we do our very best for them.
The latest report states that pupils ‘thrive in a very caring environment’ and added that children are ‘immersed in activities which captivate them’ such as Shakespeare workshops and residential trips. Lead inspector David Fann said St Kentigern’s has ‘risen like a Phoenix from the ashes.’
“Exceptional leadership, strong governance and committed staff have ensured that St Kentigern’s has made an extraordinary journey since the last inspection,” he wrote.
“Consequently, pupils now achieve well above national levels.”