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Thursday, April 25, 2013

Ofsted triumph for Holtsmere End Junior School

 

SchoolGuru loves a good news story and this one is great. Holtsmere End Junior School in Hemel Hempstead has become the first school in Hertfordshire to move from 'notice to improve' to a 'good' Ofsted judgement in just 13 months - and this is under the tough new framework for school inspections introduced in September 2012. 

Philip Mann, who led the Ofsted inspection in March 2013, noted: “Teaching has improved and pupil standards have risen significantly.  This is a view shared by many parents.” Teaching is now “Mostly good with some that is outstanding.”

In February 2012, the inspectors found the teaching to be satisfactory, but inadequate leadership and management meant the school was given notice to improve. Shortly after the 2012 inspection, the Head resigned. Deputy Head Emma McGuigan was appointed Acting Head and a new senior management team was recruited which has “successfully tackled the weaknesses from the previous inspection.” Emma McGuigan is pictured above with pupils at the school. 

Barbara Whitford, the Chair of Governors, commented: “The Governors, teachers, support staff and parents at Holtsmere End Junior School are all delighted at the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection. To move from a 'notice to improve' judgement to 'good' in just over a year is an outstanding achievement.  Emma and her school team have worked so hard to transform our teaching and learning and ensure that all of our pupils are active independent learners. Our improving SATS results are evidence of their hard work. Our sister school, Holtsmere End Infant School was also given a 'good' Ofsted judgement this year, so both schools are now offering quality primary education to the local community.”

SchoolGuru says: congratulations! 

Go and see for yourself

The school is in Woodhall Farm, Hemel Hempstead, and there are currently places available in all year groups. If you're looking for a school in the area, check them out. They're offering tours of the school on:

  • Wednesday 26 June at 2pm
  • Friday 12 July at 10am. 

If you can't make those dates, they'll arrange another time for you. So don't miss out - and go and see this lovely school in action!

 

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