Small is beautiful at school

Mar 19 2008

A RURAL school in Staffordshire with fewer than 40 pupils has been praised by Government inspectors for ensuring its children achieve well.

Mary Howard CE Primary, in School Lane, Edingale, near Tamworth, has just 39 pupils aged four to 11.

Education watchdogs Ofsted said that in January 2007 it became the first school in Staffordshire to become federated with another school in a nearby village.

New head teacher Julie Bullous, who was appointed at the same time, manages both schools, although they have their own governing bodies.

Inspectors concluded: "Mary Howard is a good school where pupils achieve well, and standards are now above average.

"Pupils make good progress in their literacy and numeracy skills in all years, including the foundation stage."

Progress is equally good in science, but standards in ICT are not high enough because, until recently, there have not been sufficient computers at the school. Pupils are now catching up because they receive specialist teaching in the subject.

Ofsted also highlighted the good personal development of pupils, who look forward to school.

"They love the challenging tasks they are given, and work hard."