Inspirational leadership

A Liverpool primary school is celebrating after Government inspectors concluded it is no longer failing – and praised the headteacher for her “inspirational leadership”.

St Clare’s Catholic Primary School in Wavertree is now classed as “requires improvement” rather than “inadequate”.

Ofsted made the decision to take it out of special measures after finding it had “worked tirelessly to tackle the areas for improvement” and was ready to be re-graded sooner than they had expected.

Inspectors describe headteacher Kate Peaston as having “brought about a new energy among leaders and staff” since her appointment in 2016, noting she has “reignited a passion and determination in leaders, staff and governors”.

Leadership and teaching of new pupils in early years is described as “good” and the progress of pupils overall is improving.

Also praised is the behaviour and attendance of pupils, and Ofsted also found that parents were “overwhelmingly positive” about the school and the improvements made.

Headteacher Kate Peaston said: “We’ve got a long way to go yet and we are not complacent, but I am really pleased that the inspectors have recognised the determination of everyone at St Clare’s to drive up standards and make sure our pupils get the best possible education.

“This is a fantastic school in a great area, we’ve got wonderful staff, pupils and parents and as a team we’re all striving to tackle the remaining issues and achieve greater things in the future.”

Councillor Nick Small, assistant Mayor and cabinet member for schools, said: “It’s great to see the turnaround at St Clare’s reflected in the latest Ofsted report. Congratulations to everyone for their incredibly hard work, it is a real team effort across the whole school from the head downwards and in partnership with parents.