By Ben McPartland A JUNIOR school in Euston has been given a fine bill of health by independent inspectors. Overall St Aloysius junior on Aldenham Street was rated as a good school – the second highest score – by Ofsted inspectors when they visited last

By Ben McPartland

A JUNIOR school in Euston has been given a fine bill of health by independent inspectors.

Overall St Aloysius' junior on Aldenham Street was rated as a good school - the second highest score - by Ofsted inspectors when they visited last month.

Several aspects of the school's performance, including its curriculum and its care and guidance for pupils were given the highest grade of outstanding.

Inspector Bernard Payne and his team of officials were impressed by the progress made in the last two years under the headship of Jim O'Shea.

"Taking account of significant improvements the school has made in recent years, including increasing levels of challenge for all groups of pupils and more effective curriculum leadership, the school shows it has good capacity to continue to improve," said their report.

A delighted Mr O'Shea paid tribute to those around him. "I was really pleased because of all the hard work put in by all the staff, pupils, parents and governors," he said.

"We were hoping for a good report. We were aiming to get outstanding for everything but that is for the future."

Mr O'Shea started work at St Aloysius as a class teacher before rising through the ranks to deputy headteacher and was appointed head two years ago.

Inspectors paid tribute to the impact he has had since taking over the helm.

"The headteacher has inspired and built a cohesive and enthusiastic staff team. As a result, staff feel valued and enabled to carry out their roles effectively. They feel very well supported, due to the positive and supportive approach to monitoring and evaluation," they said.

The Catholic primary school has its fair share of challenges with many pupils speaking English as a second language. The school is located in an area of some deprivation. The number of pupils eligible for free school meals is higher than in most.

The percentage of pupils with learning difficulties and disabilities is also much higher than average and is on the increase.

"We do have a very supportive community.

"For us it is about respect and responsibility with everybody working together to support our children. This is about us providing the best possible start in life for them," said Mr O'Shea.

"Our curriculum is particularly relevant and helps to prepare them for the future as a lifelong learner."

Ofsted do want St Aloysius to improve their teaching of mathematics in the future.

St Aloysius' Junior is the second Catholic school to impress inspectors recently after the Rosary on Haverstock Hill was given an outstanding report last month.

ben.mcpartland@hamhigh.co.uk