OUR LADY OF GRACE CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL in Greater London, Greenwich

Education Centre Information: Our Lady of Grace Catholic Primary School:

Establishment Type:Voluntary Aided School
Phase of Education: Primary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Greenwich
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Roman Catholic
Diocese: Archdiocese of Southwark
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 206
Number of boys: 99
Number of girls: 107
Age Range: 4-11
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

Founded in 1929 and housed in four single-storey buildings dating from 1929 to 1952; serves multi-cultural community that has been developing rapidly since 1997. Approximately 45 per cent of children are African, with smaller groups of Vietnamese, Chinese, Phillipino, Japanese and Caribbean providing great cultural diversity. Forty-six per cent of children have English as additional language; approximately 36 per cent of pupils receive free school meals; large proportion of single parents. School's failure in 1996 was 'notable' and many parents withdrew their children. Head was removed in 1997 and school began to address difficulties it had experienced. Removed from special measures in 1998 and increased confidence has resulted in a full roll and considerable waiting list for each year-group; over-subscribed, with 1.5 applications per place. Full curriculum now on offer; achievement is high and school is proud to have figured prominently in Greenwich Key Stage 2 league tables (top in 1998, in top three in subsequent years); 66th in national 'value added' tables. After-school clubs include music, art, calligraphy, short tennis, dance, cookery and drama. School emphasises importance of strong partnership between home and school; values thriving parent, teacher and friend association. Charter Mark; Schools Curriculum Award; Investor in People status (2002); DfES achievement award (2001, 2002, 2003).