Education bosses praise for Hampstead Parochial
Ben McPartland A PRIMARY school in Hampstead is on the up, according to education inspectors. Hampstead Parochial in Holly Bush Vale has been praised by Ofsted for its rapid improvement and its outstanding features. The Church of England school was given
Ben McPartland
A PRIMARY school in Hampstead is on the up, according to education inspectors.
Hampstead Parochial in Holly Bush Vale has been praised by Ofsted for its rapid improvement and its outstanding features.
The Church of England school was given a "good" rating overall - the second highest - and particular mention was given to the influence of headteacher Rebecca Harris, who is in her third year at the helm.
Inspector Raminder Arora, who visited the school last month, said: "This good school is improving rapidly and already has a number of outstanding features. The excellent work of the headteacher is instrumental in the success."
Ms Arora added: "The improvements stem from the outstanding and inspirational leadership of the headteacher. She has ensured that staff are focused on the learning of each individual."
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Just under half of Hampstead Parochial's 206 pupils are from ethnic-minority backgrounds. Around one quarter of the children speak English as their second language and a below-average number of kids are on free school meals. The number of youngsters with learning difficulties and disabilities is also below average.
Mrs Harris said: "I am very proud of the children and the staff. One of the nicest things about the inspection is that Ofsted makes a point of saying that the school is improving fast.
"It is also pleasing that they acknowledge that the school knows itself very well, because if we are going to carry on getting better it is very important we recognise our own strengths and weaknesses."
Teachers were praised in the report for their stimulating lessons as well as tracking pupil's progress throughout the school.
Staff were given a challenge to bring all the teaching up to the standard of the best examples as well as improve the co-ordination of science teaching.
The report notes: "Pupils are happy, well behaved and hardworking, which has a positive impact on their academic progress."
One parent wrote: "My child is fortunate to be in such a secure, caring and happy environment."
ben.mcpartland@hamhigh.co.uk
