A school which was given a Notice to Improve a year ago has done just that, but it still 'requires improvement.'

The latest Ofsted rating for Carew Manor School, in Wallington, has found the school has upped a grade in the ratings. From being described as Inadequate a year ago, the school now 'requires improvement', and the interim headteacher has welcomed the news.

John Prior, principal designate at the school, said: "This report is a very encouraging result for the school. We have made rapid progress since January and everyone connected with the school should be proud of what we have achieved in such a short space of time.

"However, we know that only the best is good enough for our children and we will continue making every effort to get better."

Following a turbulent year at the school in which a headteacher was appointed, but left months later in a cloud of mystery, the community school with 143 students aged between 7 and 16 years, announced it could become an academy.

The Department for Education is currently proposing to convert the school to sponsored academy status after extensive changes to staffing including the appointment of Mr Prior as principal designate and Barney Geen as vice principal designate for the proposed new academy.

Ofsted inspectors, who observed 17 lessons, examined documents and met with pupils and school leaders during the inspection on 2-3 July, insisted that there still need to be improvements in teaching and some pupils need to be helped more to feel safer at school.

Councillor Dave Callaghan, chair of Sutton Council’s children, family and education committee, said: "The pupils, staff, governors and leadership at the school have put in a lot of hard work to move the school’s overall grade.

"There is, of course, a great deal of improvement still to make and Sutton Council will offer every support to the school in its quest for excellence."

 

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