School fights back after inspection criticism

4:15pm Wednesday 23rd July 2008

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A NEW headteacher is building on work to improve a small primary school in the wake of a critical inspection report.

Sacred Heart RC Primary School, in Northallerton, was given formal notice to improve after a visit from Ofsted inspectors in September last year.

Inspectors said the school's effectiveness was "inadequate" and criticised leadership, but stopped short of recommending it be placed in special measures.

Helena McGouran took up the post at the school last month, taking over from interim headteacher Margaret Swinhoe.

The school's improvement was confirmed by an interim inspection, in May, and strong test results from the school's departing ten and 11-year-olds.

Mrs McGouran, 41, says she plans to continue the improvement at the 72-pupil school.

She said: "I have been privileged to teach all the age ranges, from nursery to year six, and the underlying thing that never alters is that children love to learn when schools create an environment where staff and students can work effectively.

"With this in mind, it is my aim to continue to embed the good progress that has been made."

The mother-of-three, from Middlesbrough, began teaching in 1989 and became deputy headteacher at Stockton's St Cuthbert's RC Primary, in 2005.

Sacred Heart, in Northallerton's Broomfield Avenue, opened in 2000. Its roll has more than doubled in size since then.

Mrs McGouran said: "I want to ensure that we work to make sure everyone is valued and is an integral part of the school community "I want our students to be able to meet any challenge with confidence in their abilities and to have the positive attitude to push themselves to face new challenges.

Mrs McGouran has recently taken up running, and plans to take part in this year's Great North Run to raise money for relief agency CAFOD.

She also hopes to find time to complete the final year of an MA at Teesside University.

Michael Morrison, chairman of the school's governors, said: "The last year has been a challenging one for the school, and we're delighted to be on the right track with our excellent new headteacher.

"There's an exciting atmosphere at the school and we look forward to a supporting Helena as she moves the school forward."