Highbury Grove School puts on barnstorming production of Les Miserables

Highbury Grove's performance of Les Miserables. Credit: Bill Cooper (Image: Archant)

Despite Highbury Grove School being placed in special measures in February after receiving an “inadequate” rating, staff and students have plenty to shout about after putting on two performances of Les Miserables – both of which received standing ovations.

The order for the school to be converted into an academy order has not yet been issued, a process which could take up to two terms to complete, but parents were quick to point out that there is nothing “inadequate” about the drama department.

Parent Amanda Ely said: “To produce something of such quality takes huge amounts of time and dedication from staff and pupils alike, demonstrating outstanding talent and achievement that Ofsted somehow seemed to completely miss.”

Mother Janice Acquah added: “This incredible show reflects both my daughters’ experience of Highbury Grove: amazing opportunities, high expectations and some extraordinarily committed staff. What a shame that these aspects of the school were not acknowledged by Ofsted.”

The standard of music and drama at Highbury Grove School has been praised by the City of London Corporation, pictured is this month's performance of Les Miserables. Credit: Bill Cooper (Image: Archant)

The musical was performed by children from Years 7 to 13, who also created their own pit band to play the full score.

Conrad Rayner, who played the bishop and the gate in the show, said: “It was such a big project but part of the fun was it was so difficult. Our director, Lorraine Wright, could have chosen something less challenging but she wanted us to work hard because she believed in us.”