In November 2006 I started my website letter by referring to the best SAT results for several years. In summer 2007 our SAT results were even better with further improvements in all areas of the core curriculum. The Ofsted Inspection in July considered these standards to be outstanding. The HMIs who led the inspection also considered Abbey to be a good school with no areas graded less than good. Our pupils once again were given considerable praise for their behaviour, attitude and general self confidence. Compared with schools of same size or above our Maths and Science SATs were the best in the country, our English was fourth best. The local authority grade our provision for less able pupils as outstanding.

However, Abbey is not just about SAT results, league tables or Ofsted inspections. It is also about social development of our pupils and their entitlement to an enriched curriculum. It is also about professional development of staff. We continue to have the same aim which is to provide the best social and academic education. The school motto “Learning and Growing together in Friendship” continues to be the central theme. 

During the last year, not least the building of the new hall and the formation of the hard Federation of Abbey Schools. The hall is now fully in use and accessed by all pupils. Opportunities for community use are available   after Easter. The Federation of Abbey Schools means that we are not two separate schools. There is no longer an Abbey Infants School or Abbey Junior School. The transition we have made to federation status has been nationally recognized, as have the transition opportunities we provide for our pupils.

Current initiatives for the Federation of Abbey Schools include a review of the curriculum and the provision of challenge and support for gifted and talented pupils. Being rewarded for good practice is equally important for any school that recognises the achievement of pupils during weekly assemblies. We are currently working towards the new national Healthy School Award and Darlington’s updated Inclusive School Award.

Despite the recent secondment of our Advanced Skills Teacher, to manage the High Force Teacher Training Programme, Modern Foreign Languages and International Links will continue to be a priority. We provide a range of experiences and opportunities and will continue to teach French (Year 3 & 4), Spanish (Year 5) and Chinese or Russian (Year 6) to our pupils on a weekly basis. Educational links with these countries will be retained.

We have received excellent support from parents. Funds they raised contributed to the cost of the hall. The ‘grounds group’ has plans which we hope will have a positive impact and support the work already completed by the ‘Garden Army’. It is important that parents continue to work closely with staff. Teachers track the progress being made by children and set them targets to aid their progress and development. Teachers also monitor how pupils’ social skills develop. All of this information together with input of parents regarding their child should be shared in dialogue with teachers.