An outstanding Ofsted report, extra Government funds and the end of a £3/4million building project is cause for celebration at a Billericay primary school.

Teachers, pupils and parents at Brightside Primary School are jubilant about the successes and improvements since the infants and juniors merged two years ago.

A new luxurious entrance, separate classrooms and disabled facilities were among the changes made during the nine-month building work.

A further boost was given when they received an £8,630 School Achievement Award by the Department for Education and Skills, for getting better exam results in 2002 than other schools in similar circumstances.

Head teacher, Deborah Coles, said she is delighted with the Ofsted report which praised the standards and management.

Positive areas highlighted in the report include:

High standards in tests for 11-year-olds

Teaching and learning in years three to six

Spiritual, moral, social and cultural education

Support in academic and personal development by teachers

Management and leadership

Mrs Coles, said: "All in all it has been a very successful year. I am extremely proud of the hard work everyone has put in.

"I was particularly pleased with the Ofsted report which was outstanding. We came out as a good school and there were a lot of positive aspects highlighted."

Published Wednesday, June 4, 2003

Brought to you by the Brentwood Gazette