St John the Baptist school awarded top marks by education watchdog

All smiles: Year 5 pupils from St John the Baptist. Photograph: Hackney Council

Staff and pupils at St John the Baptist school are celebrating today after being rated ‘outstanding’ by government education watchdog Ofsted.

This result, which is the highest awarded by Ofsted, is an improvement from the previous ‘good’ rating the Hoxton school received back in 2013 and puts the Church of England school in the top 21 percent nationally.

Headteacher Lucy Blewett said:”We are absolutely delighted with the report because it reflects the sheer hard work and dedication of all the staff, governors and pupils and the tremendous support we receive from our community.”

Back in 2009, the school was reported to be amongst the worst in London in terms of pupil achievement, with only 49 per cent passing Sats in reading, writing and mathematics.

Ofsted’s new report, which considers a variety of factors including teaching and behaviour, says pupil’s abilities in reading, writing and mathematics are now “well above the national average”.

Inspectors also praised the extra-curricular activities offered by the school, alongside its commitment to educating children about racism and bullying.

Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Deputy Mayor of Hackney, said: “Our children are outperforming the national average by every measure and, most importantly, children from all backgrounds are achieving great results. Congratulations to everyone at St John the Baptist.”

St John is part of the Primary Advantage Federation, a partnership of eight Hackney schools created to improve the quality of education in the local area.

The school is the fifth member of the Federation to be awarded an ‘outstanding’ rating, and the eighteenth school in the borough to be awarded Ofsted’s top rating.