Celebrating top billing

Pupils and staff at Halewood C of E Primary are celebrating after once again being named among the top 200 performing schools in the country.

Figures released by the Department for Education place the school among the top one per cent of all schools in the UK for attainment.

For the last four years, Halewood C of E Primary has also been named in The Times list of the best schools in the UK, thanks to its outstanding teaching and learning, and a culture in which children are encouraged to meet high expectations.

Headteacher Dave Smith is delighted that the school has been recognised again, putting the success down to the school’s culture, ethos and strategic direction, fully supported by parents, governors and staff – “Where children believe, achieve and succeed”.

He said: “It is really important to us as a school to have a positive and encouraging environment, for both staff and pupils. We have high expectations of our children and we all work very hard to help them achieve those expectations. We know each and every pupil very well and rigorously track their progress – no child is left behind.

“We are delighted to have been recognised as a school for the high performance that we have achieved over many years and  in particular for last year’s outstanding SAT’s results. Our children work so hard to attain such highly standards and this is a celebration for the whole school community, staff, parents and governors that work together to maintain our positive and encouraging approach to learning.”

Cllr Gary See, Knowsley Council’s cabinet member for Children and Family Services, said: “Halewood C of E is a lovely school with strong leadership, outstanding staff and a very positive, encouraging atmosphere that clearly benefits all pupils.

“To be consistently recognised among the top performing schools in the country is a fantastic achievement and the school are rightly proud of this latest honour.”

Being ranked 126th for the attainment of Year 6 pupils caps a fantastic year for Halewood C of E Primary. In the last 12 months they have also gained a Leading Aspect Award for their Foundation Stage practise, Governor Quality Mark, CPLD Quality Mark for the continuous professional development of staff and Church School Partnership Award 2.