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Teacher-pupil links boost Burnage

19/12/2006

TEACHERS and students at a south Manchester school were celebrating after receiving top marks by school inspectors.

Burnage High School was praised for its "good value for money" and the "good progress" that it has made since the last inspection in improving standards and achievements.

Its headteacher, Ian Fenn, a convert to Islam, was also given the thumbs up after inspectors heaped praise on his "outstanding leadership" and "clear focus on raising standards."

The OFSTED report judged the school to be good in all areas including achievement, well being, personal developments and leadership and management.

Inspectors reported that the school provided a welcoming environment for learning and this was recognised by the students.

The relationship between students and teachers were positive and this was reflected when one student told the inspector: "They encourage us to do our best".

The report added: "Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good and students demonstrate awareness and understanding of the needs of others, resulting in the many different races working well together in harmony."

Headteacher Mr Fenn said: "I am particularly pleased that they acknowledged the fact that relationships between teachers and students are positive, and that students told the inspectors how supportive their teachers are.

"All of the positive feedback in the report reflects the progress Burnage High School has made over the past four years."

But there is still room for improvement said Mr Fenn.

He added: "We are already looking into the three points that the inspectors have asked us to examine. We are giving careful attention to making the quality of results for different subjects at key stage level four more consistent, ensuring students know how well they are doing and where to make improvements and we are looking into why some students arrive late for school and making sure punctuality improve."