Inspectors rate Invicta Primary 'outstanding'

Invicta primary school in Charlton has been described as 'outstanding' by Ofsted inspectors in a glowing inspection report - just three years after being judged 'satisfactory'.

The Ofsted inspectors visited the 273-pupil school in January and found that:

• Teaching is increasingly outstanding and almost always at least good in all subjects and year groups
• teachers expect the best of every pupil. They set tasks which are not only at the right level but sufficiently demanding for pupils to build on their skills and abilities
• standards are well above average in all subjects and have been consistently high over the last three years
• pupils' behaviour is exemplary and makes an exceptional contribution to their learning and the school's safe environment
• the headteacher is an inspirational leader who is dynamically supported by highly committed governors and staff.

'Determination to raise standards' 

Headteacher Marie Corbett, who has been at the school for seven years, five of those as Head, said: "What really pleased me about the report was that it recognised the hard work the school has put in over the last three years. We have gone from satisfactory to outstanding as a result of relentless determination to raise standards at the school.

"We try to provide a really exciting curriculum for the children and for Invicta to be a place for their parents to be proud of.

"We knew this school was special and so did the parents but it's good to have someone external to come in and confirm it.

"We work hard on including Greenwich and the local area in our curriculum, including a whole school theme on the Cutty Sark, called 'A Sailor Went to Sea', looking at Greenwich's maritime history."

She added that the school recently held a 'Pride of Invicta' awards day for children and parents who had shown the Paralympic values of determination, courage and inspiration. And this term the school is continuing the Olympic momentum with 'Be Inspired for Life', which looks at aspects of health and fitness using the Olympic and Paralympic successes to inspire children's lives and encourage achievement.

School to be rebuilt 

The school is currently expanding from one-form to two-form entry and is due to be rebuilt as part of the Royal Borough's investment programme in school buildings.

Cllr Jackie Smith, the Royal Borough of Greenwich's Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: "This is a wonderful achievement by Invicta, who have made incredible progress over the last three years to jump from satisfactory to outstanding.

"This can only be achieved by hard work and inspired leadership, and everyone involved at the school should be really proud."