St Albans primary school stands out from the crowd

AN OUTSTANDING primary school in St Albans is celebrating a shining Ofsted report. Bernards Heath Junior School has been marked as outstanding by Ofsted inspectors who visited the school in Watson Avenue for two days last month. The inspectors noted the

AN OUTSTANDING primary school in St Albans is celebrating a shining Ofsted report.

Bernards Heath Junior School has been marked as outstanding by Ofsted inspectors who visited the school in Watson Avenue for two days last month.

The inspectors noted the good work of headteacher Sian Kilpatrick, whose "dynamic leadership" and "determined pursuit of excellence" had created an "outstandingly effective school."

The quality of day-to-day guidance and support provided to pupils - including those with special educational needs and disabilities - was also commended, as well as the pupils' behaviour and social development.

The report added: "A very clear moral code permeates all aspects of school life and pupils are unfailingly polite and well mannered."

As points for improvement, the school has been asked to increase access to computers during lessons and to take a more structured approach to fostering links with the wider community.

Chair of governors at the school, Mary Liming, said that she was thrilled with the report and added: "The inspectors have recognised the tremendous contribution that everyone - from Sian Kilpatrick and her highly committed staff to the children and parents - makes to making Bernards Heath a happy and successful school.