7:00am Sunday 29th January 2012
By Emma Thomas
DELIGHTED pupils and teachers are celebrating after being recognised as one of the most improved schools in the country.
Belfairs High School, in Leigh, was named in the top 200 schools making great strides in improving standards in the latest Government league tables.
The school, which is heavily oversubscribed, saw 54 per cent of pupils achieve five or more A* to C grades in their GCSEs, including maths and English last year, up from 32 per cent in 2008.
Staff and pupils celebrated their success, just months after moving into their new, hi-tech £31million building.
Despite the planning and building work, the school managed to boost standards, which won praise from schools minister, Nick Gibb, when he opened the new building in September.
Principal John Duprey said: “The three-year period, over which they are quoting the improvement, is the time when we were living next to a building site.
“If you look at the general experience, they normally expect to see performance drop. We did so well and it was quite nice to have that recognised.
“Obviously the facilities attract people, but on the other hand it is no good having nice facilities if you are not delivering a good education.
“We set out our stall in the first place and said we must make sure the performance of the youngsters is the number one priority whatever else is happening.”
The school was also praised by Ofsted inspectors in June 2010 and its grading was raised from satisfactory to good. Last summer also saw the best exam results the school has ever had.
Mr Duprey added: “Rather than a one-off performance, what is nice is it shows we have consistent improvement over three years. We have got this sustained improvement to a very good position.”
Robin Marcus, chairman of governors, said: “Every-body involved in the improvement of the school should be immensely proud of themselves.
“The staff and students deserve particular praise for their dedicated hard work and commitment as do the very supportive parents and members of the local community, all of whom have contributed towards the success of the school.
“It is their success and I would like to congratulate them all.”
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