Top Marks for Evelyn Primary

Pictured
Evelyn pupils Stephanie Jones, Rachel Hodgkins, Zoe Hassall, Daniel Tseung, Callum Greenhalgh, Daniel Corker, Abby Corker with staff members Miss Millward (Assessment Co-ordinator), Miss Ward (Deputy Headteacher) and Carole Arnold (Headteacher)

Evelyn County Primary School in Prescot is the only primary school in the UK to have been highlighted as an example of best practice in a recent Government White Paper on educational standards.

In an interview with Huyton Today, Carole Arnold, Headteacher, explained the secret of their success and described her pride at the Government’s recognition of her school.

“We believe that a pupil’s potential is never fixed. Children have individual targets which are reviewed twice a year with their English and Maths teachers. They have ownership of their learning and are very good at knowing their specific targets,” she said.

“To be highlighted as a school of good practice in such an important document is a wonderful accolade for everyone involved with our school. Children, staff, governors and parents are to be congratulated for their continued commitment to the raising of standards here,” she continued.

“I am especially pleased with the ‘Value Added’ aspects of the pupils’ achievement and the Government document recognises this,” she added.

Pupils too, it seems, are beaming with pride. Year 6 pupil Stephanie Jones told Huyton Today, "When I reach a target I feel very proud of myself. I enjoy target setting because it is an opportunity to sort out my problems."

Evelyn’s rigorous use of pupil target setting has led to the high standards and consistent improvement in pupils' achievement. The number of pupils achieving Level 4 at Key Stage 2 has risen in each subject by an average of 18%. In 2000 the results were 88% in English, 94 % in Maths and 97% in Science.

In addition to this recent praise, Evelyn also has a Charter Mark for best practice and is a Beacon School, awarded the status for its good work and ability to help other schools. Evelyn is twinned with St Agnes RC in Huyton and St Albert’s RC School in Stockbridge Village to share best practice on target setting.