A SCHOOL believes it has succeeded against the odds, thanks to the support of the local community.

Goddard Park Primary School, in Welcombe Avenue, Park North, received an outstanding rating from Ofsted following a visit by the inspector in February.

Headteacher Mike Welsh, who has been at the school for 19 years, said he believed that, considering the economic and social circumstances of the area, this was an even more remarkable achievement.

He said: “This is a brilliant result and is a rare honour for any school.

“This is one of the proudest moments of my professional career.”

The school, which now includes a children’s centre and day care, has been improving steadily over the last decade with a good rating in 1997 and 2001 and then a good with outstanding features rating in 2007.

Out of all 35 judgements made by Ofsted, 25 were rated outstanding.

The Ofsted inspector highlighted the pupils’ commitment to healthy living, the leadership of the headteacher, staff and governors, high quality displays and resources and promotion of community cohesion.

The report said: “It is improving their life chances. It truly achieves its stated vision to be a place where ‘Everybody Learns, Everybody Cares.’”

The report also highlighted the school’s 11-year link with a school in a slum area of west Nairobi, Kenya.

It said: “This focus on each individual pupil and treating them all as unique individuals lies at the heart of the school’s outstanding care, guidance and support.

“It comes from the school ethos, which ensures pupils are surrounded by spirituality, inspiring in them a sense of ‘awe and wonder’ and leading to exceptionally good behaviour and attitudes from pupils.”

Mr Welsh said the Ofsted result was down to the hard work of teachers, the response from children and interaction between the school and the local community. He said parents living locally had even gone on to become teachers “The community support of the school has been a positive feature and it was highlighted in the report,” said Mr Welsh.

“The local community has significant social and economic challenges and everyone would recognise that, however we get tremendous support from parents.

“What’s happening at Goddard Park is changing lives.”