Highbury school receives “outstanding” rating from Ofsted

Pupils and staff at St John’s Highbury Vale primary school are celebrating after they were judged “outstanding” by Ofsted last month.

The Conewood Street school received the highest accolade overall, and on all four key judgements – achievements of students, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of students, and leadership and management.

Inspectors said the teaching staff create a stimulating and welcoming learning environment, which promotes high expectations of student’s behaviour.

The school was also seen to be committed to encouraging students and their families to learn together.

The rating was an improvement on last inspection five years ago, when they were labelled good.

Troy Sharpe, headteacher at Highbury Vale, said: “I am very proud of the staff, students, governors and the wider school community for being awarded this rating by Ofsted.

“In the three years I have been at the school, I have seen great improvement in the quality of teaching. This has been achieved by a great effort on the part of the whole teaching team.

“The report states that the school creates a stimulating and welcoming learning environment – this makes the students happy and encourages them to work harder.”

Eleanor Schooling, Islington’s director of children’s services, said: “This is a great achievement for the school. The way it has improved its rating is a true testament to all the hard work the teaching staff and children have put in, over the past five years.”