Bow primary chosen as ‘leading school” in government’s new scheme

An East End primary school’s great teaching record has earned it a place on the government’s new scheme to enable successful schools to guide others.

Described as “among the best in the country” by the body overlooking the initiative, Old Ford Primary School in Bow will now help train teachers and provide support to challenged schools in the area.

It is one of just 100 institutes in the country to be given “teaching school status”.

Teaching schools will be responsible for leading a group of schools and will also have the opportunity to work with universities and businesses.

Amanda Phillips, head teacher, called the new scheme a “wonderful opportunity”.

She added: “With a wide range of partners we shall be ensuring that teachers and leaders of the future have a huge impact on thousands of school children in London and elsewhere.”

Government-funded organisation the National College for School Leadership has been given the task of overseeing training so schools and teachers themselves can set working practices.

Steve Munby, chief executive of the National College said: “Trainees will learn from the best teachers in action and those who want to step up to more senior positions will be exposed to excellent practice.”

Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman said the move was testament to the “excellent calibre of teachers” in the borough.