School News

Federated school head’s success

Merton primary school William Morris has just been rated as ‘good’ following its latest Ofsted inspection. Benefiting from the ‘inspirational leadership’ of head teacher Nathalie Bull, the school has turned itself around and is now a place where children benefit from the staff’s good teaching and a ‘culture of continuous improvement’. The school’s transformation is a result of a decision made by Merton Council and the governors at Singlegate and William Morris last year to bring the two schools together under the headship of Ms Bull, making her the borough’s first federated school head.

School to grow by one class

Merton Council has given the go-ahead for Garfield Primary School to provide an extra reception class for 30 pupils this September and for September 2013. There are no plans to permanently expand the school, but this temporary measure will ensure more parents are able to educate their children at a local school while longer-term plans are being considered. Beecholme, Pelham and Poplar primary schools will also be providing an extra class this September to meet increased demand for local places. Merton Council cabinet member for education Councillor Peter Walker said: ‘This is good news for parents in this area of Wimbledon. We are experiencing unprecedented demand for school places, and this is one way we can reassure parents that we can provide education local to where they live.’

U3A might be the answer

Merton’s University of the Third Age may be the answer for T&L readers who are retired or about to retire and keen to find new interests or old skills to brush up on. With over 700 members and 88 activity and learning groups, plus monthly talks and a variety of visits, U3A is primarily for people no longer in full-time work to continue learning. There are no exams or certificates; success at school is irrelevant, with U3A offering activities from French to philosophy, Scrabble to singing, book clubs to bridge and much more.

Visit www.mertonu3a.org.uk or phone 020 8946 6024

Wandsworth schools expansions planned

In order to meet the increased local birth rate, Wandsworth is increasing the size of some of its primary schools by one form of entry, though as yet there are no details available of which schools are to be expanded. The development of free schools is part of the Wandsworth expansion plan. The old Bolingbroke Hospital site, in Battersea, is being made into a new free school. Carillion Construction UK Ltd has just commenced work on a £13.2 million contract to convert the building. Plans are also afoot to update Elliott Comprehensive, in Putney. ‘The school was built in the sixties and is in need of modernising,’ said a spokesman. ‘As yet there is no decision as to how it will be funded.’

Best-ever GCSE results for Merton

Official figures just out from the Department of Education show Merton’s average 5+ A* to C GCSE grades, including English and Maths, are above the national average. The borough’s 5+ GCSEs A* to C grades - including English and Maths - are the best ever achieved and beat last year’s results, maintaining a year-on-year improvement. Results also show traditionally low and middle achieving students making progress in their education at twice the national rate.

March Open Days announced

The Study Preparatory School is holding an Open Morning on Saturday 3 March and an Open Evening on Thursday 8 March. The Study caters for 4 to 8 year olds at Wilberforce House, Camp Road SW19 4UN, and 8 to 11 year olds at Spencer House, Peek Crescent SW19 5ER. Call 020 947 6969 or visit www.thestudyprep.co.uk for more information. The Ursuline Preparatory School is holding two open days on Wednesday 29 February from 9.30am and Saturday 24 March from 10am-12 noon - at 18 The Downs, Wimbledon SW20 8HR.

Call 020 8947 0859 or visit www.ursulineprep.squarespace.com