Hreod out of special measures in just 20 months

Andrew Fleet with Hreod students, from back left, Joanne Ladd, Moheddine Ben-Aribia, Emily Persaud, Katie Harding. Front, Addison Lloyd, Maninder Thandi

Hreod Parkway is celebrating the outcome of a highly successful inspection at the beginning of November in which Her Majestyšs Inspectors (HMI) praised the progress and standards at the school. The school was immediately taken out of special measures.

Hreod was placed in serious weaknesses in 1996 and special measures in February 2001 and was monitored by OfSTED and HMI throughout. Whilst most schools take three years to get out of special measures, just 20 months later, the inspectors have not only judged that Hreod is providing a satisfactory standard of education but have praised a number of areas of excellence.

There has been a steady rise in educational achievement, effective leadership and attendance rates that exceed the national average. Pupils are polite, courteous and well behaved with pupil behaviour satisfactory and better in nearly 100% of classes, and well behaved in time spent out of class.

The report states that the school has real strengths in the social, spiritual moral and cultural development of pupils and has one of the most extensive provisions of enrichment and extra curricular activities seen. There are some stunning displays of pupil's work enhancing the corridors and classrooms and much attention has been paid to improving the buildings and premises ­ giving the school a positive atmosphere.

Remembrance Day on 5 November was marked at a year 8 assembly by prayers for servicemen across the Commonwealth and was attended by two Gurkhas from 9th Supply Regiment at Hullavington.

Piper Prim Wanem played a lament and Captain Gyan Limbu answered questions about the role of Gurkhas in the armed forces.

They are pictured with headteacher Andrew Fleet and school reprographic technician Godfrey Burton, a member of the Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association.

Inspectors praised the forward looking leadership team that has brought the school from below standard in curriculum and pupil progress to its present success. The inspection has confirmed that the school is well led, plans well, is innovative and has sound financial management.

Headteacher Andrew Fleet said the report was the basis for future development. "We now have a strong team of teachers and leaders who are committed to giving all our pupils the very best education we can provide and who are not afraid of putting in the dedication to achieve this.

"The school operates very much as a team, with teachers and professional support staff all playing their part in our success. I am proud of what we have achieved and I am determined to work with parents, pupils and teachers to ensure that standards will continue to rise and exceed national expectation."

In October the Government confirmed Swindon Council's business plan to build a new Hreod Parkway School on one site using Private Finance Initiative funds. Planning is now taking place and a brand new state of the art building should be ready by September 2006.

The students are also delighted by the inspection. Katie Harding said she could now hold her head high for the school. "A while ago I didn't want to admit I was at Hreod. Now I can be proud I'm here and pleased to tell everybody else. Parents should have confidence in the school."

Addison Lloyd said the success was deserved. "All the teachers should be congratulated for working so hard. They've put in time out of school hours and in the holidays to organise extra classes and activities. There's a good spirit at Hreod and the students are reaping the rewards."

On a wider front Mr Fleet said schools are achieving success despite serious under-funding by Government. Swindon continues to be the lowest funded unitary authority in England. But he added, "trust is building between schools and the education authority. There is a professionalism within the new LEA and an air of optimism about the future."