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• Local school is top of the class

A Church of England primary school in Prescot has been given top marks by education inspectors.

St Mary and St Paul’s School in Bryer Road is described as outstanding and among the best in the country.

The report by Ofsted, the Government’s education inspection body, was full of praise for the school, its achievements and ambitions.

The report said, “St Mary and St Paul’s is an outstanding school.

“In a calm and nurturing learning environment …there is a culture of high expectations and the care, guidance and support offered to pupils is excellent.

“As a result, pupils make exceptional progress.”

It praises the “well-qualified teaching assistants and learning mentor” for their effective support.

The inspector found that the pupils’ “spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding” and praises playtime activities and anti-bullying techniques.

The report says the pupils’ behaviour and manners are very good and highlights the work staff have done to enable pupils to choose between right and wrong.

Attendance is said to be very good and the report adds, “the majority of pupils are rarely absent because school is so much fun!”

In the only improvement suggested by the report, staff are advised to give pupils more time to correct and improve their work based on their teachers’ suggestions – but they are also said to have an excellent understanding of their pupils’ needs.

The head teacher Neil Dixon, is praised for his strong leadership and the overall management of the school is described as outstanding.

The report concludes “The school’s combination of support for pupils and ambition for their future makes a real difference to their chances in life.”

Neil Dixon said, “Everyone connected with the school is delighted that Ofsted have recognised what an exceptional school St. Mary and St. Paul's has become. To be judged outstanding in all areas by Ofsted is a rare accolade, but no less than the staff and children deserve for all their hard work.”

Knowsley’s Executive Director of Children’s Services, Damian Allen said: ”We have some excellent primary schools in Knowsley of which St Mary and St Paul’s is one. This Ofsted report is a ringing endorsement of all that the school is doing to provide its pupils with an environment in which they can enjoy their learning and achieve their best.”

Ends 

Picture:  Neil Dixon and some of his pupils celebrating their succesful Ofsted.

For further information contact: Knowsley Council's Media Team on 0151 443 3537