Tolworth Junior School has received a glowing Ofsted report which highlights the progress it has been making.

The report particularly notes the childrens attitude towards learning and their enthusiasm for school as areas to be applauded.

Councillor Andrew Hall is a governor at the school. He said: I wholeheartedly welcome the report. It correctly highlights the numerous achievements of the school and its significant and continuing progress.

The school, in Douglas Road, Tolworth, was in need of some good news after coming 27th of the 29 primary schools in Kingston in the recently published primary school league tables.

Only 64 per cent of the 88 eligible children studying mathematics obtained level four results, the level which is expected of children at key stage two.

Head teacher Cathy Clarke was not perturbed by the league table results but was concerned with the message they send out about schools.

She said: I do not think there is a need to be put in league tables, because they only show you what you already know about a school.

In the publics mind it could be damaging, because it gives the black and white image. Fortunately, I think parents are more astute than this and see all the good work we are doing.

Indeed, Ofsted did note the schools relatively poor performance but was full of praise for the steps which are being taken to improve.

Ms Clarke said: We were very pleased with the Ofsted report which noted that we have high quality teachers.

In fact, the report said the teaching was exceptional. Leadership came out very well, and that is what children need for their education.

Now the school is hoping that the work it has done will start showing through in exam results.

By.David Rankin