St Joseph’s in Goodson Road, scores top marks with education watchdog

A school in Harlesden is celebrating an “outstanding” rating from Ofsted inspectors.

St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School, in Goodson Road, was praised across the board in a report by the education standards body.

Inspectors praised the school for the achievements of pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils, as well as leadership and management.

The report represents a marked improvement from two years ago, when the rating was ‘satisfactory’.

Speaking to the Times, Dawn Titus, head teacher, said she was “delighted”.

She said: “To get outstanding across the board was quite an achievement.

“We put it down to having a shared vision that our expectations are limitless and that is what we tell our pupils.

“There is no reason and no excuse to not achieve to the best of their ability.”

The report, published in February, also praised the “excellent” relationship between staff and pupils which it said created a “strong learning environment.”

It added: “This gives pupils the confidence to contribute ideas and participate in lessons, helping them to make excellent progress.”

The school is also in the top performing 100 primary schools nationally and received a special letter from David Laws MP, minister of state for schools.

It said: I would like to congratulate your staff, governors and pupils for their hard work and success and to thank you for your leadership in continuing the drive towards the highest standards of education.”

Ms Titus added: “The children love it here; we listen to them and provide a rich and balanced curriculum.

“I want to give special thanks to all of the staff pupils and governors. It has been very challenging but we feel we got the result we deserve.”

Cllr Mary Arnold, lead member for children and families at Brent Council, said: “St Joseph’s is a shining example of the standards we aim for, achieved through strong leadership and outstanding practice in teaching and learning.

“What is striking is the children’s love of learning and confidence and the staff’s ability to inspire them to draw on their strengths and achieve their best.”

The school held an art exhibition of children’s work based on Chinese New Year earlier this week.