This is a text-only version of an article first published on Tuesday, 28 January 2014. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
GOVERNMENT inspectors have declared St Mary's CE School, Shinfield to be 'Good' in a recent inspection.
The inspection results mark an improvement in the school, which was judged 'satisfactory' in November 2011. Headteacher Clare Wagstaff said: "The school's journey has been tough but through the dedication and commitment of the staff, the support of the local community, the Diocese of Oxford and that of Wokingham Borough Council, the school has gone from strength to strength resulting in the recent 'Good' judgement. "The school was praised for its strong leadership team and upward trajectory in terms of attainment in reading, writing and maths.
Inspectors noted the way the curriculum has broadened over the last three years.
"Alongside the wider curriculum is the provision of clubs, enrichment and extracurricular activities ensure that the children have now developed a love of learning - something that is evident as you walk through the school," noted the inspectors. Mrs Wagstaff said: "It has been a privilege to lead such a committed and dedicated staff team over the last three years and it is testament to the strong team ethos that the progress and achievements of our children have been recognised by OFSTED.
It was a great opportunity to take on the leadership of the school.
The school has been on a journey but with an outcome like this, it makes all the hard work and effort worthwhile and rewarding. " ;Mark Taylor, Chairman of Governors, said: "The Governing Body are extremely proud of the school and its achievement of being graded as 'Good' following a recent Ofsted inspection.
This demonstrates the dedication of the staff to continue to build and achieve great things.
This is a well deserved outcome and the culmination of a huge amount of effort from everyone involved with the school both past and present.
We particularly acknowledge the outstanding leadership of our Mrs Wagstaff, which was cited by the Ofsted Inspector.
The school is lucky to have had the continuous support of Wokingham Borough Council, the parents, and of course our pupils who are the heart of the school.
We are an ambitious school that strives to be at the centre community of Shinfield and to become an outstanding school." ;