It was great to visit Hill Avenue Primary School on Friday. I spent some time with the head teacher Mr Hateley and I was really encouraged by the significant changes the school have made in many areas including; performance, grades and attendance.

In February 2015, the school was in special measures but since a change of leadership including the appointment of new head teacher Mr Elliot Hateley in May 2015, the school is now prospering and going from strength to strength.

The end of year results 2016 for the school were as follows;
– Key Stage 1 had a combined grade (for reading, writing and maths) of 93%.
– Key Stage 2 had a combined grade (for reading, writing and maths) of 81%.
This is compared with a national average of 53%.

The school is now part of an ‘outstanding’ multi academy trust and it was great to meet the staff, parents and children on the school gates.

The picture above is of a pupil, Ava, who I met on the school gates and I was approached by her Mum, Lamina, who raised an issue with me around Cochlear implants which is something I intend to support her with.

A fantastic visit which highlighted the importance of good primary school education for children.