Outstanding primary schools will set example (From St Helens Star)

Outstanding primary schools St Mary & St Thomas’ and Bleak Hill earn national teaching school status

1:54pm Wednesday 13th March 2013 in News

TWO outstanding primary schools have been given the power lead by example.

St Mary & St Thomas’ and Bleak Hill are celebrating after earning national teaching school status.

Aimed at raising standards, it entitles the schools to lead the training and professional development of teachers.

The National College for School Leadership grants the status to schools which have shown an outstanding track record and achievement over a number of years.

It will see the schools will work closely with partners including, St Helens Council, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool Diocese and local schools to deliver high quality support for teachers.

And - in what represents further recognition for the schools, Kirsty Haw, of St Mary and Thomas’, and Ian Wellens, of Bleak Hill, have been made ‘super-heads’.

Both headteachers have earned National Leader in Education status, which will see them work with schools enduring difficult circumstances.

Mrs Haw said: “It recognises the high quality education we have provided to every child in our school and the support and training we offer all our staff.

“Our hope is to share our expertise by working with other schools to provide high quality training and support to ensure every child receives the education they deserve.”

Ian Wellens, elder brother Saints rugby league captain Paul, described it “as a reward for the hard work and commitment of everyone associated with Bleak Hill.”

Councillor Alison Bacon, who oversees education in St Helens, said it was evidence the schools are “at the top of their game”.