Best Practice

Turning it around: One school's journey

Applegarth Junior School has made the journey from special measures to an Ofsted grading of good in just six months. Paul Glover explains how and offers his advice to other schools.

It is no surprise that when a school has been in special measures for a significant length of time it can be a challenge to turn it around.

Applegarth Junior School in Croydon, London, had been in special measures for 15 months. However, by being consistent and following through on every measure put in place, the school demonstrated that anything is possible and has now achieved Ofsted “good” status in just six months.

With a “no nonsense” approach, I believe that there is no excuse for a failing school. My experience at Applegarth has led me to believe that dramatic change can take place in any school, with rapid improvement being achieved in a remarkably short time-frame.

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