‘Positive’ report for Crumlin College

inspectors’ report.

It comes after a highly critical report in 2010 which led to the suspension of the principal, Dr Annabel Scott, for retraining.

The school has since been in formal intervention for more than four years because of its problems.

In their report, inspectors praised the school for the progress that had been made in developing pupils’ personal and social skills.

Inspectors found much improved exam results, which are now above average.

There have been major reductions in detentions and suspensions and improved attendance rates, they said.

The school currently has 133 pupils and although it was proposed for closure in 2013, it was given a reprieve to allow for work on setting up a new school under joint Catholic and education board management.

Consultation is ongoing and parents at local primary schools are being asked if they would support such a school.

The current senior teacher in charge, Lynda McGarry, welcomed the report.

She said: “This report officially recognises the journey travelled and is testament to the professionalism and hard work of all the staff.”

The chairman of the board of governors, Stanley Smith, said: “The school is now very clearly fit for purpose in terms of serving the Crumlin community, and we now look to the support of that community as we seek to ensure the future of the school.”

Inspectors also assessed the quality of the lessons observed as “consistently very good”.

The significant reduction in the number of detentions, suspensions, as well as improved rates  of  attendance,  were  all  hailed as indicators  of  pupils  taking  responsibility  for  their  own learning.  Inspectors were also impressed by the pupils’ enthusiasm for integrated and shared education  and  the  manner  in which  they  articulated  their  opinions. The Inspectors noted that the school provided a broad and balanced curriculum, delivered by  specialist  teachers,  appropriate  to  the  needs  of  the  pupils  and  satisfying  the entitlement framework. A representative from Crumlin Supports Shared Educationsaid: “The inspection report was independent acknowledgement  of what parents already know and  experience, -  the school is not just obtaining fantastic results.”