Parents Check on Catchment Area of Our School – and Then Buy Property

THE head of a top performing primary school has praised his young students’ commitment to their school.

High Bebington Junior School was named in the annual list of top performing schools for the third time.

It was among just 24 schools nationwide which have been rated “outstanding” three times in a row, after its Ofsted inspections in 1995, 1999 and 2004.

Chief Inspector of Schools David Bell said they were “the best of the best”.

Headteacher Rick Austin said to maintain the standard over 10 years was “more difficult than just doing it once”.

He said the hard-working staff, committed parents who supported the school and its aims, and a strong governing body had all contributed to their success.

But the headteacher, who has been at the school for 20 years, said it was the children who were ultimately key to the school’s success.

He said: “Most important are the children and we have very well motivated children who are extremely proud of their school and realise they are responsible for its success.”

He said a recent Ofsted report said Higher Bebington Junior School’s motto Pride In Our School was “lived out every day”.

He said: “You also have to expect the students to do well. If you don’t then they won’t.” Mr Austin said the school had become so popular that parents even contacted them to check the catchment area before buying property. He added: “I’ve even had parents of two- year-olds asking ‘how do we get them into your school