There was no doubt in our minds that the report was a team effort and that its quality reflected the commitment of the governors to the school. Their pride in it was the quality which came through everything, along with a sense of the leadership which they had displayed...the report was visually appealing with excellent students’ work illuminating the text. The text itself was simple and at the same time showing respect for its readers...It left no doubt that improving performance was at the heart of the governors’ aspirations and the central concern of staff.

Problems were not disguised and there is evidence governors had faced hard decisions arising from budget constraints with courage and clarity.

Extract from judges’ comments on the report of Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School, off Penton Street, Islington, London N1 9QJ