The Chief Inspector of Schools has praised two Wolverhampton schools which have recently come out of Special Measures. Sir Michael Wilshaw wrote to the headteachers of St Alban’s CofE Primary School in Ashmore Park and Villiers Primary School in Bilston, both of which were previously judged to be inadequate by Ofsted, but which have since come out of Special Measures after making rapid improvements in recent months.
In his letter to Helen Morris, executive headteacher at St Alban's Primary, Mr Wilshaw wrote: “Recent improvements are the result of hard work and commitment on the part of many people, especially the staff. I am particularly pleased to note that there are now examples of good quality teaching (and) it is good to know that there is a great deal of mutual respect between pupils and staff.”
Writing to Duncan Cocker, headteacher at Villiers Primary, Mr Wilshaw said: "By placing emphasis on monitoring and improving the standard of teaching, you have ensured that inadequate teaching has been eradicated. As a result, the proportion of good teaching is increasing.
“I am particularly pleased that provision within early years is good (and) a positive attitude to learning is successfully nurtured from when children join the nursery."
Councillor Claire Darke, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: “I am delighted that the hard work and determination of staff, governors, pupils and parents, together with effective support and challenge from the council, has brought about dramatic improvement at these two schools – and that their achievements have been highlighted by Sir Michael Wilshaw.
"I'm sure his positive comments have been warmly received by everyone connected with the schools, and encouraged them to continue their rapid improvement over the coming months.
“The council will continue to work with all our community schools to ensure that standards – and therefore outcomes for Wolverhampton’s pupils – continue to improve.”
