19/1/2007 - Newman School out of Special Measures

Staff, pupils, parents and Governors at Newman Catholic School in Carlisle have been joined by the Local Authority today (Friday 19 January) in celebrating the school coming out of special measures.

Ofsted inspectors who visited the school earlier this week confirmed that weaknesses identified in previous inspections have been addressed. They consider that the provision at the school and current pupils standards and that it no longer need special measures to improve its performance.

Newman was placed in special measures in February 2005, following an OFSTED inspection. 

Moira Swann is the Director of Children's Services at Cumbria County Council. She said:

"This is great news for the young people currently at the school, and for all those who will follow them because these improvements will be seen year on year.  

"It shows how much can be achieved when schools and the Local Authority work together."

Peter McGaw, Principal School Improvement Officer at the council, said:

"We are very pleased that it has been recognised that the school no longer requires special measures.

"The school and the Local Authority together have been working very hard to bring about the necessary improvements, and it is good to see that the effort has been acknowledged.

"The contribution of Andy Abernethy as associate head, advising and supporting the school, has proved key in the school's improvement. His next challenge as an educational 'troubleshooter' will be at Morton where I have no doubt he will be equally successful."

Councillor Philip Chappelhow is Cumbria County Council's Cabinet Member for Children's Services. He commented:

"This is good news, and is the result of a lot of hard work. I would like to congratulate the pupils, staff, governors and at Newman, along with everyone in Children's's Services who has been involved in supporting the school."

The Acting Headteacher of Newman Catholic School is John McAuley.   He said:

"Coming out of special measures is wonderful news.   it is a tribute to the hard work, dedication and talents of all Newman staff and students.  

"The inspection team commented on a superb learning environment, with excellent resources which are equipped to meet the educational needs of student in the 21st Century.

"We realise that we need to continue at this pace of improvement - we are not complacent.   We will continue to work with the local authority, the diocese and the local community to ensure the best possible education for our students.

ENDS