Pupils from Rotherfield Primary School with governor Andrew Bosi

TWO primary schools run by the same federation had cause to celebrate this week after they were handed high praise from Islington Council and Ofsted.

Newington Green Primary School in Mildmay, managed by The Growth Learning Collective, was rated “outstanding” across five categories for the first time in the 30-year history of Ofsted inspections.

The report praised the school for its “happy, safe and inclusive community where everyone is valued”, and said that pupils “show impeccable attitudes to learning and work hard”.

It added: “Pupils are rightly proud to be part of what they describe as a ‘second family’.”

Councillor Jenny Kay, vice-chair of The Growth Learning Collective and a governor at Newington Green, said she was “overjoyed” about what the school has achieved.

She added: “This outstanding rating is a testament to over a decade of hard work, dedication, and passion of our staff, students, and families.”

Meanwhile, Rotherfield Primary School in Canonbury, which is part of the same federation, was recognised as one of Islington’s “most improved” schools based on Year 6 pupils’ results in reading, writing and maths. The results from a report this month showed a 22 per cent increase in the school’s performance over the previous year.

Headteacher Nia Silverwood praised the entire school community, saying: “I am very proud that the hard work put in by my team, our pupils and their parents has been recognised in these results.”

She added: “We are striving for excellence in everything we do at Rotherfield – all our pupils deserve the best.”

Donna Shah, chair of the board at the federation said: “The board is proud of both schools for their achievements this year, and for the external recognition they have received from Ofsted and Islington.

“We are delighted with the improvements at Rotherfield and are committed to supporting the headteacher to improve the school even further!”