Primary school placed in special measures in 2012 rated as good in Ofsted report

In its latest Ofsted report, Chapel End Junior Academy in Roberts Road, Walthamstow, has been rated as 'good' overall with 'outstanding' leadership and pupil behaviour. 

The larger than average primary school where two-thirds of pupils speak English as a second language, was placed in special measures in January 2012 for "failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education" through an "inadequate curriculum" and reports of frequent bullying. 

Inspectors also found those responsible for leading, managing and governing the school did not have the capacity to ensure improvements were made. 

The inspection last month was the first since Chapel End became part of the REAch2 Multi-Academies Trust in April 2013. 

Teachers threatened strike action over the move to academy status and parents launched a campaign over fears taking the schoool out of council control would remove accountability. 

Pupil's behaviour is now considered "outstanding" for their excellent attitude to learning and real thirst for knowledge. 

Headteacher James Kenyon was praised for his "outstanding leadership" in transforming the school from inadequate to good. 

Headteacher James Kenyon praised by Ofsted for transforming academy into joyful thriving centre of learning. 

The report said: "The outstanding leadership of the headteacher, other leaders and governors has meant that teaching has greatly improved and achievement has risen rapidly since the academy was formed.

"Having taken on the predecessor school when it was at a low ebb in special measures, the headteacher has successfully formed an outstanding leadership team since the school became an academy. 

"This consists of two deputy headteachers, two assistant headteachers and the school business manager. 

"Between them they have transformed the academy into a thriving, joyful centre of learning."

It was not quite considered outstanding as teachers did not always make learning sufficiently clear to pupils and misunderstandings were occasionally picked up late or not fully addressed.

Other than subjects of maths and English, the most able pupils were not always suitably challenged.  

The safety and behaviour of pupils was deemed 'outstanding' with pupils enthusiastic to learn, "cheerful, well-mannered and determined to their best."

Mr Kenyon, described the outcome as "fantastic". 

Adding: "We have a very strong team at Chapel End and are fortunate to have hugely supportive parents. 

"Whilst the Ofsted report signals a very positive result and shows how far we have come in just two years, what this means in practice is that our wonderful pupils are now getting the education they deserve."

CEO of REAch2 Steve Lancashire said he is delighted Mr Kenyon's excellent leadership has been recognised and is confident Chapel End will progress to become an outstanding school in the next Ofsted report.