Lisson Grove school achieves 'against the odds'

The school serves a community where many pupils come from disadvantaged and poorer backgrounds, with an above average proportion of students receiving free school meals, yet has still achieved great standards.

Keith Duggan, who became deputy head in 1991, and has been the headteacher since 2004, was delighted by the news.

He said: "I'm pleased at the recognition for the staff, who have worked very hard.

"The area may be poor, but that doesn't mean the pupils are stupid by any means.

"All parents want a good education for their children, no matter where they come from.

"We serve a very stable, supportive community, many of whom attended the school as children.

The headteacher added: "The school has invested heavily in staff development over many decades and has a team who give freely of their time and effort in the interests of the children.

"I'm grateful both to the current staff and their predecessors, for the unwavering levels of skill, dedication and sheer hard work they have given.

"Gateway's inclusion in this report is a tribute to them all."

The report found that the school sustains its excellence by continually seeking to improve teaching and learning.

Gateway, along with other schools in the report, has achieved two successive 'outstanding' Ofsted inspections in recent years.

Marcia Headon, regional director of Ofsted, added her praise for the school's achievement.

"We were particularly impressed with the quality of teaching and learning that goes on here, the quality of the leadership, and the strength of the partnership with the parents and the wider community.

"The school was outstanding in a number of area we looked at.

"It's an inspiration for other schools across the country."