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Leeds pupils overcome challenges at 'oasis' of learning
IT WASN'T the ideal place to build a school, but education inspectors have called it an "oasis."
Sandwiched between the M621 and a busy Leeds road, St Luke's CoE Primary stands on the northern edge of Beeston and faces social and economic challenges.
But in a new report by education watchdog Ofsted, St Luke's has been named one of the most outstanding schools in England. The honour follows a summer inspection when every area, from pupil performance and behaviour to care, guidance and leadership, was given top grade.
Inspectors said it was "an oasis" where the children – many of whom have English as a second language – make rapid progress often from low starting points.
Eric Whitehouse, who has been at the school for 30 years – the last 24 as head teacher, said: "Everyone here knows exactly what they are doing. Many of our children arrive with ability levels far below the national standards. Most of them come from the 10 per cent most deprived areas.
"By the time they leave here, they are above national standards. Our children are really eager to learn, and if you have the right set up, they can really flourish."
St Luke's is among 11 Leeds schools named as outstanding providers. The others were: St Benedict's Catholic Primary, Swinnow Primary, Meanwood CoE Primary, Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College, Morley Victoria Primary, St Chad's CoE Primary, St Edward's Catholic Primary, St Urban's Catholic Primary, Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Primary and Roundhay School.
In Kirklees, 14 schools were included in the report. They were: Heckmondwike Grammar, St Patrick's Catholic Primary, Mirfield Free Grammar, Hopton Primary, Greenhead College, Lindley Junior, Emley First, Scholes Junior and Infants, Littletown Junior Infant and Nursery, Rowley Lane Junior Infant and Nursery, Moorend CoE First, Lindley CoE Infants, Batley Parish CoE Junior Infant and Nursery, and Castle Hill School.
Wakefield's 12 on the list were: South Ossett Infants, Crigglestone Dane Royd Junior and Infants, Wakefield City High, Crofton Juniors, Martin Frobisher Infants, Lofthouse Gate Primary, Knottingley Vale Junior and Infants, Knottingley Throstle Farm Junior and Infants, Rooks Nest Junior, Infant and Nursery, Stanley Wrenthorpe Jerry Clay Lane Junior and Infant, Wakefield Castle Grove Infants and Ossett Holy Trinity CoE Primary.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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