A Borough primary school that was judged one of the worst in the country just five years ago has been praised in its latest Ofsted report.

In 1997, Grange Primary School had the worst key stage two SATs results in the country. The national media widely reported on the school, using it as an example of some of the worst problems in education in the UK and there were calls for its closure.

The school was put into Special Measures by the Government.  In October 2000 the inspectors took the school out of Special Measures as significant progress had been made.  And their latest report, Ofsted inspectors praised the school, saying: “Grange Primary School is a good school. The headteacher, strongly supported by the senior management team, staff and governors, provides the school with very good leadership and management.”

The Ofsted team compiled their report on Grange Primary School, Southwark, after visiting the school in September 2002.  In their report, Ofsted said: “Good quality teaching and consistent behaviour management from all staff help pupils achieve well as measured against their prior attainment.”

In recognition for improved standards the school received a DfES school Achievement Award last year.

Headteacher Jenny Payne said: “Our success is the result of effective team working, both with the previous head and with myself. A school depends on everybody. No one person can turn a school round. It takes a team of good teachers and support staff, effective governors and supportive parents. We have got that team.”

Bob Skelly, Executive Member for Education, said: “Grange Primary School is a tremendous success story. The head, the staff and the pupils deserve the highest congratulations.” 

(Southwark News, 7/11/02)