Gosport primary head speaks of pride after improvement

Haselworth Primary School, in Gosport, is one of the most deprived schools in Hampshire but is producing results that surpass expectations.

It is the third best school in the county for progress and amongst the top 10 per cent nationally – just three years after the school was told it ‘required improvement’ from Ofsted.

Haselworth introduced its ‘philosophy for children’ concept to help children to develop into effective, critical and creative thinkers. It has since been copied by schools across Hampshire and staff members attended a conference in London to talk about it.

Headteacher Emma Steele says that all staff have worked incredibly hard in the process.

Mrs Steele, who has been in her role 18 months, said: ‘We’re really proud to reach something that our children and local community can be proud of. Our students have really taken everything on board and, if one is misbehaving, they’ll say “that’s not the Haselworth way” to each other.

‘We are only a small school but we now have a waiting list for new starters.’

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage said: ‘Every time I visit the school, I just get a strong sense of dedication from all members of staff. They have made wonderful progress and it lifts the whole of the community.

Councillor Peter Edgar, executive member of education for Hampshire County Council said: ‘I think the reason the school has been so successful is because it has really taken the concept of individual learning on board.’