A SCHOOL is brimming with pride and is excited for its future following its first positive Ofsted rating in ten years.

St Joseph’s Catholic High School, in Shaggy Calf Lane, Slough, has managed to dramatically turn itself around after potentially facing being placed into special measures three years ago, and through hard work and determination has now received its first ‘good’ rating since 2006.

Ciran Stapleton, now in his third year as head teacher at the school, said: “This is massive for the school and we are delighted.

“It’s just about putting your heart on your sleeve and not settling for second best.”

The report, published on Friday following an inspection in January, highlighted a ‘transformed culture of the school’, ‘pupils are proud of their school’ and ‘gaps in achievement between disadvantaged pupils, disabled pupils and those with special educational needs and others are closing quickly’.

Mr Stapleton said: “We’ve transformed the culture into a ‘can do’ one and a big part of that was employing really good teachers to create a much better environment.”

Slough Observer:

The previous report, following an inspection in 2013, outlined a lack of progression, inconsistent teaching and poor leadership.

He explained that not only is it about giving every student the right to an excellent education and providing them with opportunities but to also provide opportunities for staff to progress or expand as well – a key in leading by example.

Melanie Ive, Learning Resource manager, said: “Six years ago the students would have coats over their uniform to make sure people didn’t see they were from St Joseph’s but now they wear their uniform with pride.”

The once-struggling school is due to be provided with a brand new playing field and access to state-of-the-art sports facilities as part of the Community Sports Facility development on the former Arbour Vale School site, has a real momentum going and staff are very optimistic for the future.

The latest report highlighted weaknesses in reading, in some of the more able students’ progress and all pupils’ progress in science and design technology.

New reading schemes have been recently implemented and new staff members have been taken on for the mentioned subjects. The school is confident these measures will provide positive changes.

Mr Stapleton said: “Our staff and students are the jewels in our crown and I am delighted for them that as a community we have achieved so much and are highly respected by the system.”