PRIMARY school children are celebrating after their school won national acclaim for the way it is run.
St John’s CE Academy, Darlington, has been awarded the coveted Governor Mark, a national accolade recognising the efforts of the 13-strong governing body and the way it works with the head teacher and senior leadership team.
Chair person for the past 15 years Valerie Cadd said: “We love our roles to the point where it doesn’t feel like work. We are thrilled with the award as it shows a level of appreciation that will spur us on even further. The root of the school’s success is that we all want the very best for the children.”
Head teacher Christine Large added: “The governors are all volunteers but they are an integral part of the leadership team and thoroughly deserve national acclaim. We are very lucky because it is a true partnership.”
St John’s became a self-governing academy almost three years ago sponsored by the Church of England. It is considered outstanding by Ofsted and is undergoing a major refurbishment.
With the help of education consultants Avec the academy has developed its autonomous leadership and ensured governors are highly trained.
Avec senior partner in leadership and governance David Walker said: “We are all delighted with the award which is the culmination of three years of dedication, commitment and hard work, for the benefit of the 208 pupils and their families.”
Miss Large added: “Avec have really helped us take our governance to another level which has boosted standards across the school.”
In recent years St John’s has managed to raise pupil attendance to 96.1 per cent, which is above the national average, thanks to a raft of measures including a breakfast club and home/school mentor.
Strong partnerships have also been forged between the school, diocese, local businesses and the community.
Curriculum development has focussed on improving reading, with the use of guest authors to motivate children, staff training and an improved marking policy.
At every stage parents have been involved in the changes with improved engagement in their children’s education.
