A culture of high ambition - King Edwin now a "good" school

King Edwin School has been upgraded from "requiring improvement" in 2017 to "good" in all areas after inspectors visited the school in June.

The special school, for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs or an autism spectrum condition, is operated by the Spark of Genius North East partnership.

The partnership is a joint venture between Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Spark of Genius, set up to run King Edwin School and a number of children's homes.

What did the inspectors find?

The school achieved a "good" rating across all areas including quality of teaching, personal development, and the effectiveness of leaders and outcomes for pupils.

Here are some of the report's findings:

• 'The principal has created a culture of high ambition and has a strong vision for the school to help change the lives of the pupils and their families for the better.'

• 'The highly personalised curriculum is tailored to meet each pupil's needs.'

• 'The effective staff team builds strong and caring relationship with the pupils, which enables them to thrive and achieve more than they thought possible.'

• 'Pupils' wellbeing is central to the school's work. As a result, pupils' attitude to learning improves significantly.'

• 'The proprietor, principal and governors have high expectations and aspirations for both pupils and staff. They are committed to securing the best possible education for the pupils.'

What do the school and Council think?

Lorna McLean, Principal of King Edwin, said: "We are really proud and appreciative of the work that students, parents, staff, governors and those we partner with have done to progress the school to its current 'good' Ofsted rating - it has been a real partnership effort and an absolute honour to be part of."

Councillor Lisa Evans, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "We're delighted with the rating and all of the improvements that have been made are testament to the tremendous hard work of everyone involved with the school.

"We're committed to our children and young people receiving a good education as a platform to fulfil their potential, this report shows King Edwin pupils are being given every opportunity to do this.

"I'm sure the recently appointed governing body will challenge the school's leadership team to continue the school's development - this good news is a fantastic way to end the school year and I hope everyone enjoys their deserved summer break!"