City school gets top marks

3:13pm Saturday 17th May 2008

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A NEWPORT school was achieved the best possible marks in an official inspection.

Malpas Church in Wales was the latest in a long list of city schools to get top grades in all seven key areas.

Estyn inspectors described it as a good school with many outstanding features.

"Pupils achieve very high standards and the quality of teaching is excellent.

The quality of care pupils receive is outstanding. The school is very well led and managed and there is an excellent Christian ethos. All pupils succeed, regardless of their background."

Headteacher Richard Jones was complimented on his clear leadership and it was said much of the high quality of the present school community was due to his strategic vision.

Deputy head teacher Malcolm Rayner was also commended as an effective practitioner who has a positive affect on the management of the school.

Teaching was described as excellent and teachers were praised for the outstanding relationships that existed among staff and pupils as well as being very good role models.

"The school has a special place in this suburb of Newport," said chairman of governors Rev David Parfitt.

"It is a Christian school where children love to come and enjoy learning. All children can achieve their God given right to flourish here, it is a privilege to be a part of this school."

Canon Keith Denison, Director of Education for Monmouth Diocese, said they were delighted with the impressive report which recognised the commitment of all involved.