Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
‘It was wonderful to hear that we are outstanding’
A head teacher says she could not be any prouder after her primary school was rated outstanding in all areas by Ofsted.
St Thomas’ Catholic Primary School in Military Road, Canterbury faced a two-day inspection earlier this year but came through with flying colours when the report was released this week.
Head Lisa D’agostini says she has been on an “incredible journey” with the school, which was rated as satisfactory in 2011.
She said: “I could not be any prouder or feel more privileged to be the head teacher of St Thomas’.” The inspectors were keen to point out key findings in the report, which said “leaders at all levels have created a happy and safe environment where all pupils excel”, “governance is outstanding and highly effective” and “the school makes an outstanding contribution to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural education”.
Miss D’agostini said: “This is a school that strives to be the best it can be with a clear ambition and focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for all our children, while recognising the importance of developing the whole child, so that the Christian values that we hold dear are nurtured and embraced to enable our pupils to be the wonderful children they are now and prepare them for the future. Every member of staff wants the best for the children.” Chairman of governors Marion Nash said: “Ofsted inspections are rarely welcomed and rarely enjoyed. “Every aspect of school life is scrutinised and nothing is left unchecked. It was wonderful, therefore, to hear the word ‘outstanding’ spoken by the lead inspector.
“The academic achievements of our children are a source of pride, however, the success of the school is based more widely not just on the attitudes to both learning but how we, as a community, behave and relate to one another. The Catholic ethos of our school shines through. I am very proud and privileged to be part of such a caring family at St Thomas’.”
To view the full report, visit www.ofsted.gov.uk.