A STAFFORD school once considered inadequate by Ofsted inspectors has been named one of the top 100 best improving schools in the country.
Stafford Sports College has been congratulated by Education Minister David Laws because of the progress made by its students from Key Stage 2 (the last level of primary school) to their GCSES five years later.
The achievement comes just six years after an Ofsted report branded the school’s overall effectiveness inadequate.
The 2007 report rated the school’s sixth form as satisfactory.
But last year’s Ofsted inspection resulted in a good rating for the school and students have been challenged to aim high in all years.
A group of Year Nines sat their GCSE English last summer two years early and are currently taking in GCSE English Literature, with a view to sitting A Level English in Year 11.
Maths students are encouraged to take on the annual UKMT Challenge, a national competition open to talented young mathematicians. And in science the school exceeded the expected level of progress by seven per cent - a greater level than many other schools nationally.
Headteacher Rowena Blencowe said: “We have high aspirations for all our students and we are challenging all students to realise their true potential.
“I would like to congratulate staff, governors, parents/carers and students who have all contributed to our success.”
