More good news on local schools

As we approach the start of the new term, there is more encouraging news about local schools that was released over the holiday period.

Anthony Roper Primary School in Eynsford had its Ofsted inspection in early July. The inspectors' report - released after the school had broken up for the summer holiday - rated ARPS as Good. The school already had a Good rating, though that dates back to 2010, with a different head and a very different inspection regime. The report painted a favourable picture across the board - in pupils' learning, behaviour, the school's teaching, leadership and management - which does credit to Lynda Newton and her staff. Ofsted described the school as

• "a cohesive, orderly and purposeful community in which good teaching is the norm and high standards of behaviour are expected and are met by pupils."
  

Earlier in the year, Crockenhill Primary School under the leadership of Sarah Warshow also retained its Good rating. As previously noted, schools in the Darent Valley with weaker ratings have seen strong improvements. Now only St. Paul's in Swanley Village has a Requires Improvement rating, and that school is showing strong positive momentum.

Coupled with good Key Stage 2 performance across the County, and strong County-wide improvements in Ofsted ratings, especially for primary schools, this means that local schools should return this week with the wind in their sails.