THE current staff and governing body of Hillbrook School have no desire to become involved in the argument raging in your pages between former head John Harries, former governor David Jordan and former Office for Standards in Education inspector Geoffrey Owen over the 1995 inspection. But we would like to correct any misconceptions that your readers may have about the school as it is now.
Our most recent OFSTED report in November 1998 was very positive. It found that pupils were making good progress; that the school was well managed and gave satisfactory value for money.
National test results for seven-year-olds in 1998 exceeded the national expectations and were higher than in 1997 for reading, writing and maths. The local authority’s value-added analysis for Hillbrook attainment in reading is in line with borough standards, while attainment in writing and maths is significantly above this standard.
At key stage 2, national test results show attainment in line with maths, while English and science are just below, but are continuing to rise. Again, the LEA value-added analysis shows Hillbrook to be performing well.
Fiona Merritt Smith, Chair of governors, Hillbrook School, Hillbrook Road, London SW11
