'Oustanding' schools in Croydon to be re-inspected by Ofsted

EIGHT of Croydon's best schools are to be re-inspected because their teaching does not reach the highest standards.

Schools such as Coloma Convent Girls, in Shirley, Harris Academy South Norwood, and Gonville Academy, in Thornton Heath, are all rated as "outstanding" by Ofsted.

Mark Ducker, head teacher of Gonville Academy

But they will no longer receive top marks unless their teaching standards reach this level too, the new chief inspector of schools in England, Sir Michael Wilshaw, has said.

Among Croydon's 24 "outstanding" schools, including one pupil referral unit, eight were only rated as "good" in teaching and now face being re-examined.

Despite being recognised by Ofsted for its "skilled and enthusiastic" teachers, Gonville Academy was not given top teaching grades during its last inspection as a traditional community school in 2008.

Head teacher Mark Ducker said: "The biggest hurdle for us in achieving consistently outstanding teaching is the fact that most of our teaching staff are early in their careers.

"While we undoubtedly provide excellent support for newly qualified teachers and they develop quickly, the demands of the profession mean it often takes several years for teachers to become outstanding.

"Although I would agree that teaching is absolutely the determining factor for schools, I believe other things should be considered when arriving at an overall judgment."

Councillor Kathy Bee, shadow cabinet member for children and young people, believes tougher standards may restrict opportunities for new teachers.

"This is another example of how teachers are publicly clawed all over," she said.

"If other areas are 'outstanding' and the children are making really good progress it seems harsh for a school to be penalised because they haven't got top marks for teaching."

A new framework came into effect last month which ended regular inspections for the best schools.

Wolsey Infant School, in New Addington, was given top marks across the board.

Head teacher Terry Cefai said: "Without outstanding teachers, how can a school think of itself as outstanding?

"It's the top grade and, just as we expect pupils to get As, all teachers and schools should aim to be the best they can be."

Chris Keates, general secretary of NASUWT, the largest teachers' union, said the chief inspector's statements "called into question every Ofsted judgment that has ever been made on any school".

Outstanding schools but not outstanding teaching - the schools which face being re-inspected by Ofsted