School wins 'outstanding' praise

12:55pm Wednesday 2nd May 2007

A school at which many pupils arrive "unable to grasp a pencil" has been ranked among the top ten schools in the district.

Killinghall Primary has received a glowing report from Ofsted inspectors who gave it an overall rating of "outstanding."

The school provides all pupils with an "excellent all-round education", they claimed.

Their report said although a large proportion of youngsters entered the school with under-developed language skills, with many also unable even "to grasp or use a pencil", subsequent progress remained superb.

The vast majority of Killing-hall's 490 pupils are from ethnic-minority backgrounds. About 75 per cent do not speak English at home.

Head teacher Gill Edge said: "The staff, pupils, governors and parents are overjoyed that Ofsted recognise, in this glowing report, the outstanding work that is done in our school.

"I know that in paying close attention to every detail I am very demanding. I will only accept the best of everything for the children at Killinghall."

The number of Killinghall pupils with "severe and complex" needs is more than double the national average.

Mrs Edge said catering for their welfare was also an important part of the school's role.

"We have always believed in being inclusive," she said.

"At Killinghall every child really does matter.

"The integration of visually impaired children and those with specific severe and complex learning needs is a great strength of our school.

"All children, whatever their needs, have a right to be happy, secure and valued as well as having access to a good education regardless of their individual academic potential."

Inspectors also paid tribute to the quality of teaching exhibited throughout lessons.

They said: "In the very best lessons activities are exhilarating and enticing, firing pupils' imagination and inspiring them to explore previously unconsidered areas.

"Learning is rapid because pupils' thirst for learning is challenged."

The personal development and wellbeing of the school's children was also given the best grade possible.

The report said: "Pupils show quite remarkable courtesy and care.

"To see a blind pupil walk confidently around the school, up and down stairs, with only the occasional guiding touch of a friend, is both moving and inspirational for all."

Hilary Temple, the school's chairman of governors, said: "The school is an outstanding example of total commitment on everyone's part.

"The governors are very proud to be associated with such a thriving school."

Killinghall is the ninth primary and the tenth school across the district to receive an overall rating of "outstanding". The others are: Eldwick, Oakworth, Copthorne, Newby, St Anthony's Catholic in Clayton, Long Lee in Keighley, All Saints at Ilkley, Sacred Heart at Ilkley and Carlton Bolling College in Undercliffe.