STANDARDS at struggling Pimlico School are rising but remain low in comparison to national figures, says its latest Ofsted report. And the school is still on the special measures implemented by Ofsted 15 months ago for its low educational

Sanchez Manning

STANDARDS at struggling Pimlico School are rising but remain low in comparison to national figures, says its latest Ofsted report.

And the school is still on the special measures implemented by Ofsted 15 months ago for its low educational standards.

The report published this week notes that there are variations in the quality of teaching. But the planning of lessons has improved and become more consistent, which is helping to boost students' academic results.

Seventy per cent of all lessons are said to be good or excellent.

Acting headteacher Jo Shuter said: "I am really pleased. It's a credit to staff and all their hard work and all the pupils at the school."

Inspectors who visited the school this month observed that in the good lessons the management of student behaviour was based on praise and encouragement.

But a key feature of the weaker lessons was the ill matching of tasks to abilities of the students.

"Students are increasingly proud of their progress. They know their targets and what they need to do to move up to the next level," inspectors said.

In recent weeks, Westminster Council has been involved in a row over its decision to allow the school to be turned into an academy.

The council's deputy chief executive David Hawker said: "Overall, this is a positive report from Ofsted. As Pimlico prepares to turn into an academy, Westminster will ensure the school receives the closest possible support to build on the improvements that have been made.

"Pimlico has made significant strides since the last inspection but there is still work to do to ensure pupils receive the best possible education at the school."

But many parents, staff and students are against the council's decision and have pledged to fight to keep Pimlico as a comprehensive.

The Tory-controlled council has also been criticised for giving the proposed sponsorship of the school to But Future, a charitable trusted headed by Tory donor John Nash, known to be a Conservative donor.

Labour councillor Paul Dimoldenberg claims in a column for the Wood&Vale this week that Mr Nash has no experience of running a secondary school anywhere.

He said: "Over the past few months I have received many letters and emails from Pimlico parents who are appalled and angry at the way in which Westminster Conservatives have handled the future of the school."

sanchez.manning@hamhigh.co.uk