'Teaching is improving rapidly,' says Widnes head teacher (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Halton's fastest improving school 'is on the right track'

12:50pm Thursday 14th February 2013 in News By Barbara Jordan

THE head teacher of Halton’s fastest improving school is determined to give her 1,600 pupils the best possible holistic education.

Wendy White took over SS Peter and Paul College in Highfield Road, Widnes, six months ago.

Her quest to boost performance has been commended by Ofsted inspectors.

Inspector Joan Bonenfant said: “School leaders are united in their passionate ambition to turn the school around and improve teaching and achievement.

“Teaching is improving rapidly. The new headteacher is supported by a strong leadership team who share her ambition and determination.”

Inspectors found 100 per cent of teaching good or outstanding.

However, they said not enough progress had been made in maths and science.

Mrs White said: “We are on the right path. Our science department is introducing lots of collaboration and planning an exciting, fast paced currculum to improve results to be in line with other subjects.

“We have made huge progress in maths and we are on track for excellent results.

“The change in teaching style and content is having a rapid impact.”

She said she was particularly proud that inspectors found 74 per cent of lessons they observed good or outstanding.

The faith school also received good and outstanding grades in a religious education inspection carried out by the Archdiocese of Liverpool.

Mrs White said: “We are here to provide children with an outstanding education in a Christian context. We want to create an environment where everyone feels safe, happy and well cared for.

“I’ve loved every school I have worked in with passion, but this journey has never been so exciting.

“The kindness and enthusiasm I have met has been phenomenal.

“I have never seen anything like it. The people who work in the school, and parents are really motivated to make this a place we want it to be