Outstanding! Ofsted praises St John Evangelist

Published: 18 June 2010
by CONRAD LANDIN

INSPECTORS have heaped praise on an Islington primary school, declaring it “outstanding” with a “warm, welcoming ethos”.

Schools watchdog Ofsted described St John Evangelist Catholic School, in Angel, as a place where “pupils enjoy learning”, while teaching is “consistently good” across the curriculum.

Lessons were described as “well planned to match the needs of all groups of pupils” and the school enjoyed excellent links with the local community.

Provision for early years and children with special needs and disabilities was also praised. 

Attendance was one of only two areas Ofsted said needed to be improved, although this was confined to a “small number” of pupils at the Duncan Street school.

Headteacher Tina Oliva, praised for “superb management and skilful leadership,” welcomed the findings. “We are all very delighted that we received this grading from Ofsted,” she said. 

“All members of the school community, children, parents and staff, work very hard to ensure St John’s is a place everyone is proud of and where learning is at the centre of everything we do. We are never complacent and will continue to offer excellent opportunities for our children.”

Islington education chief Councillor Richard Watts said: “Congratulations to everyone who works so hard to make St John Evangelist the outstanding school that it is.”