School wins praise for 'positive' work (From Tewkesbury Admag)

School wins praise for 'positive' work

GRETTON Primary School, recently named as one of the best in Britain, has won the praise of education watchdogs.

The village school has been described as "effective and improving" by Ofsted inspectors, who also noted its high achievement in maths, English and science.

The success follows the announcement shortly before Christmas that the school was the third best in Gloucestershire and in the top five per cent nationally, coming in at 110th.

Lead inspector Brian Gosling singled out head teacher Cheryl Cuthbertson for special praise and said: "Pupils' attitudes and behaviour are positive because the school's provision for their personal development is very good."

He also noted that the school's children were happy and well cared for and praised the range of out-of-school activities.

Mrs Cuthbertson said she was delighted with the report. "It reflects the continued hard work and achievement of the pupils and staff team.

"It also recognised the strong links the school has with parents and the local community.

"We're pleased that the areas for development highlighted by the inspectors had already been identified by the school and included in its long-term improvement plan."

These areas highlighted by inspectors were developing the role of subject leaders and carrying out more curriculum planning.

The report also said: "Pupils' attendance is unsatisfactory because too many parents take their children on holiday during term time."

Chair of governors Chris Dee said there was a clear reason for attendance levels and that they did not affect the success of the school. "Living in a rural community with many parents farming, it's not always easy to take family holidays during the school holidays.

"However, I am pleased to see that despite this the results show Gretton Primary to be one of the top schools in the country."