Saintfield school praised as £1/2m project begins

Saintfield school praised as £1/2m project begins

30 April 2014

THERE is double cause to celebrate at Academy Primary School in Saintfield with news that a £500,000 extension is underway while education inspectors have given the primary overwhelming praise.

Six new classrooms are under construction as part of a minor works project started by the South Eastern Education and Library Board.

School principal, Stephen Moore, said the stress of the building work was compounded by the arrival of six education inspectors who spent three days at the school to undertake an extensive inspection.

He said he was delighted the inspectors had found consistently high standards across the school, while the building work was progressing well.

“School life has been somewhat more busy and stressful over the last few weeks for some odd reason or two,” he said.

“Obviously we are delighted with the enhancement to our facilities and are equally delighted by the endorsement by the Education and Training Inspectorate of all that we do at our school.

“I am delighted with the high level of consistency in everything our school seeks to do.

“To attain very good or better in every aspect of school life is very gratifying as this is a very difficult standard to attain in such a large primary and nursery school.”

Mr. Moore said he was delighted that the educational progress of nearly all pupils, including those children with special educational needs, in mathematics, English and ICT was considered very good.

He said he was particularly happy that the pastoral provision in the school was considered outstanding.

“I am delighted that our pupils are described as highly motivated individuals who communicate effectively and express themselves articulately and that their behaviour is considered exemplary.

“I am delighted that 70% of the teaching delivered that week, under pressure, was very good or outstanding.

“I am delighted that the leadership and governance of our school was both strategic and inspired confidence.

“As principal of Academy I am immensely proud of the achievements of all concerned.”