School celebrates a successful year

11:25am Thursday 15th May 2008

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PUPILS in Tockington are celebrating the most successful year in their school's history, following an inspection of teaching.

Tockington Manor School students and teachers were thrilled with the Independent Schools Inspectorate's report, which gave the school top marks.

Inspectors found the school was outstanding in some departments and provided pupils with a "broad, varied and interesting educational experience".

They also praised the school for encouraging a happy ethos and said pupils' cultural, social and moral development was outstanding.

ISI inspector Rob Isaac said: "The school meets its aims and aspirations well.

"It prepares its pupils for the next stage in their lives and their future well being.

"The school provides a broad, varied and interesting educational experience and pupils enjoy a caring and happy ethos. They are proud of their school."

Staff said the report has proved the icing on the cake during the school's most memorable year to date.

Headmaster Richard Tovey, whose father founded Tockington Manor in 1947, said: "This has been, quite simply, one of the most successful years in the school's history.

"This gratifying inspection report follows the news, earlier in the year, that every pupil in the current top year who have taken their exams, has won a place at their chosen senior school, and a record number - 12 so far - have gained scholarships and awards.

"For a school with a completely non-selective intake, this is a fantastic set of results. We are immensely proud of the children and their achievements."

National curriculum tests showed results were well above the national average for primary schools and inspectors said pupils of all abilities made good progress.

The report said teaching was generally good with many lessons showing outstanding features.

The school was said to have outstanding links with the local community, thanks to parent partnerships and the school's own holiday club, and an effective governing body.

Mr Tovey added: "The inspection has been a valuable experience for the school.

"It has identified areas in which we can improve still further but overall it has confirmed the outstanding quality of what we offer children at Tockington Manor School."