The Chief Inspector of Schools, Chris Woodhead, in his Annual Report published today, acknowledges the "significant improvements" made by St Andrew's C of E Primary School, Stockwell, after being removed from special measures.

Headteacher Viv Grant says: "St Andrew's is absolutely delighted that this year in the Chief Inspector's Annual Report the achievements of the school have been formally recognised, since its removal from special measures in November 1998. It is recognition of the extreme hard work and commitment of staff, parents, governors and pupils in turning the fortunes of the school around."

When Viv Grant became Head in September 1998, the school adopted a new badge and motto. The new badge, designed by a former pupil, shows a rocket-like figure of a child with arms reaching out skywards. The new motto is, simply, 'reaching for the stars'. This new motto has steered the vision and work of everyone involved with and attached to the school.

St Andrew's now has a growing number of after school activities and links with a variety of creative arts projects. These include a 40-strong Gospel choir, whose celebrity status with the school's local community has grown rapidly over the past twelve months. More recently the school has set up a mentor scheme for underachieving black boys, which is believed to be the first primary scheme in the country. On Thursday 3 February a group of pupils from the school performed at the Millennium Dome, as part of Lambeth's contribution to the Millennium celebrations.

St Andrew's is characterised by a real vibrancy, energy and warmth. The whole school community has renewed sense of confidence and hope for the future. For all the adults who work in the school, there is a real desire that every child, no matter what their background or circumstance, will know and believe that, as the school motto suggests, everything is possible if they learn to 'reach for the stars and beyond'. 

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