Staff and pupils at a Basingstoke school went into their half term break on a high after receiving a glowing Ofsted inspection report.
St John’s Primary School in Kingsmill Road was rated ‘good’ when the education watchdog visited at the beginning of February.
The grade is a marked improvement from its last grading in 2007, when it was rated ‘satisfactory’.
Headteacher Hayley Clayton said the result was down to the hard work of staff and students.
She said: “We are all absolutely delighted that the hard work and commitment from all the staff and our wonderful children has been fully recognised. Since the day I arrived the whole team have pulled together in support of the changes that have taken place because we all strive each and everyday to give every child at St John’s the very best education.
“Ofsted made one point very clear, St John’s is heading for outstanding in the very near future and we know that’s true.”
The 217-pupil, mixed primary school takes pupils from four to 11 years old. Miss Clayton took over the running of the school last year.
Lead inspector Andrew Saunders and his team of three sat in on 16 lessons by eight different teachers and analysed feedback from parents and carers..
Mr Saunders praised Miss Clayton and said she had spearheaded quick improvements in teaching. He said: “The new headteacher has quickly established a clear understanding of the strengths of the school and identified the key areas for development.
“Ably supported by the senior leadership team, she has rapidly brought about improvements to the organisation of the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, to teaching and learning, and to the provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.”
Of the 28 inspection areas, 22 were rated good and five were graded outstanding, including pupil saftey and behaviour.
Mr Saunders said: “Pupils are very confident about how to keep themselves safe, for example when using the internet, or getting to and from school. They are sensitive to the needs of others and regularly undertake fund-raising for those in difficult situations, such as their successful appeal for Haiti.”
School governor’s chairman Terry Ayres said: “The governors participate in school life a lot, and we work with the leadership team in driving standards up.
“We congratulate all the adults and children at St John’s.”
