Archive - Tuesday, 3 February 2004


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School is one of best in UK

A SMALL village school in the heart of the Wye Valley has been hailed as one of the top schools in Britain by the education watchdog.

In his annual report to the government, David Bell, OFSTED's chief inspector, said that he was delighted that Redbrook Primary, with only 50 pupils, was one of the country's most successful schools. It had achieved an outstanding inspection report and with pupils performing well in national tests and examinations.

Head teacher Gaynor Connor, who has been at the helm since 1986, said: "I am absolutely delighted with the news and we shall certainly be celebrating our achievement.

"A head can have all the ideas in the world to take a school forward, but it's the staff and children who respond and take it there.

"I am so very proud of my staff and children. Together we make a good team with very supportive governors and parents and I am so privileged to work with people who care, work hard and who want the best for our children."

David Addison, chairman of the school governors, said: "I am delighted that the achievements of this very small rural school have been recognised.

"It is a tribute to the hard work and enthusiasm of staff and pupils as we pride ourselves on being a real team of staff, parents, pupils and governors and enjoy the support and encouragement of the local community.

"Small schools are often targets for simplistic views on viability. This OFSTED recognition is a clear example that small schools are perfectly capable of providing excellence.

"I would also pay tribute to our local education authority, Gloucestershire, which, in spite of our remote location, provides an excellent supportive service in most fields, and to the leadership of our head, Gaynor Connor, who has steered our school to great achievement."

In 1998, falling numbers meant the school was threatened with closure, but a campaign by parents ensured that Gloucestershire County Council kept it open.

A total of 3,0041 schools were inspected during the academic year 2002/3. Of these, Redbrook was among 293 schools singled out for praise by the chief inspector.