Westminster's schools receive top Ofsted reports (02/07/2008)

Two Westminster primary schools have been judged "outstanding" by Ofsted inspectors, it was confirmed this week.

Gateway Primary School in Lisson Grove and St Joseph's RC School in Maida Vale both received warm words of praise from Ofsted which commended them for their excellent teaching and strong support from headteachers and senior staff.

On Gateway, inspectors singled out the school's leadership and "clear direction" of senior managers, while "high expectations and lively, stimulating classroom environments add significantly to pupils' delight in learning."

The report noted: "A striking feature of the school is the way marking involves pupils directly so that they are able to discuss the feedback on their work with teachers. This allows all pupils to understand how their work is assessed and encourages them to try even harder."

At St Joseph's, inspectors said pupils were "well motivated and work hard" while they experienced a "very wide range of interesting activities to help them to learn." This is the school's fourth "outstanding" Ofsted report.

The inspectors said of the school: "As a result of the high quality of care, guidance and support the school provides, pupils' personal development and well-being are outstanding. They clearly enjoy their work because all teachers plan lessons extremely well, which ensures pupils find them interesting and with just the right level of difficulty."

Meanwhile, an Ofsted inspection at a third Westminster school, Our Lady of Dolours in Paddington, gave it an overall rating of "good" and praised its work to foster "positive relationships in the local community".

Its report stated: "Pupils' spiritual, moral, cultural and social development is outstanding. Relationships between children are harmonious and they show respect and tolerance for each other and the adults around them. Those from minority faith groups are welcomed wholeheartedly into the daily assemblies and religious celebrations."

Councillor Sarah Richardson, Westminster's Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: "I am delighted that these three primary schools have done so well in their latest Ofsted inspections - this is clearly a great achievement.

"Their success is a tribute to the hard work, energy and drive of the teachers and pupils, as well as the support and commitment from parents and governors."

The inspections were carried out between 6th and 12th June.

ENDS