OFSTED RECOGNISES SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT AT MAYFLOWER PRIMARY

Report Praises Harmonious Community with Strong Ethos

Colchester, UK: March 4th, 2005 ­ The Mayflower Primary School has received praise from OFSTED inspectors for substantial improvement in a report published today. Commenting positively on the overall quality of the education the school provides, the report describes The Mayflower as 'a harmonious community with a strong ethos', and notes the good behaviour and pride of the pupils in their school.

'Our motto is 'Sailing to Success',' Headteacher Margaret North commented, 'and this report reflects the fact that we've really had everyone on board helping the school move forward. I'm very pleased with the way we've been able to reach out into the community, and drive up our standards both in pupil achievement and the quality of teaching. Our emphasis has been on making sure that all our children are successful and happy.'

The Mayflower Primary has been working with Edison Schools since September 2004 to develop further focus on implementing the school's action plan. 'Our partnership with Edison will ensure that the school continues to improve standards because the emphasis is very much on putting children's learning at the core of everything we do,' Margaret North added.

'We're very pleased that OFSTED has recognised the substantial progress The Mayflower has made, which reflects a tremendous effort by everyone there,' said Edison's Sue Sigston. 'We're concentrating on helping the school build on these improvements and develop the leadership capacity that will continue to deliver sustainable good performance in the future.'