All Smiles at Award Winning Primary Miles Coverdale

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Shepherd's Bush school praised for 'outstanding academic achievement'

The school, in Coverdale Road near Shepherd's Bush Market, has been praised for turning initial low attainment into 'outstanding academic achievement'.

Headteacher Taranum Baig was presented with a cheque for £1,000 at the awards, with teacher Lauren Picken and six of the pupils joining her on stage.

"We were honoured and privileged to win this award. It’s a reflection of the hard work and effort of all the children, families and staff," said a delighted Mrs Baig afterwards.

Award judges noted how children (more than two-thirds of whom speak English as an additional language) entered the school with low literacy and numeracy skills. However by the time they left to begin secondary education their English and maths scores were significantly above the national average.

"High expectations and an intolerance of mediocrity drive staff to do their very best to ensure that all pupils make outstanding progress from starting points that are generally low," said inspectors.

The awards ceremony, staged at the newspaper’s Kensington offices, honoured London state schools which had achieved excellent exam results against the odds.

Among the guests was Mike Sheridan, head of Ofsted in London, who congratulated Mrs Baig and everyone at Miles Coverdale Primary.

Cllr Larry Culhane, H&F Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said Miles Coverdale's success was a shining example to others.

"Our primary schools achieved the fourth highest results in the country last year," he said. "In striving to attain such impressive standards, while also supporting the well-being and development of pupils, Miles Coverdale exemplifies everything that is great about education in this borough.

"We are all proud of the hard work that Mrs Baig, her staff, and - most importantly - the young people at Miles Coverdale have put in to gain this award."

The £1,000 cheque came from the Jack Petchey Foundation, the award sponsor, which funds projects which boost young people’s aspirations.

February 18, 2019