Express & Star

Pride awards for school

'The Ofsted report said that we had serious weaknesses. Well I say that we are seriously brilliant'.

Published
The Mayor: Elias Mattu and Principal: James Ludlow with the Special awards category winners at the front L-R: Joshua Lee 14, Kiayalyi Ayre 13, Philippa Grant 14, Holly Barnett 13, Samuel Phillips 12.

Those are the words of the principal of a school in Tettenhall which has honoured the achievements of its students in a special awards ceremony.

The Kings C of E school, based on Regis Road, Tettenhall, was rated as 'Inadequate' by Ofsted following an inspection in March this year. The rating come only four years after it was given a good rating in all areas.

Not deterred by the findings of the report, the school has held its first 'Pride of Kings' awards, with more than 40 students receiving prizes ranging from 'Most Progress' in a particular subject to 'Highest Achievement'.

Other prizes included 'House Community Awards' given to the pupils that contribute the most to school life and Special Awards.

Winner of the prestigious Principal Award was Joshua Lee, aged 14, of Ettingshall, won the award for his achievement and progress in all subjects, his commitment to extra-curricular activities and support of the school community.

Joshua said: "I was so excited and happy to win the award. I didn't expect it, and I'm glad that my work has been recognised."

City of Wolverhampton Council Mayor Elias Mattu and his wife, Mayoress Asha Mattu, attended the ceremony. Giving out the Principal and special awards, the Mayor referred to the school motto - 'Aspire, Believe and Achieve Together' when he said: "You have shown that you have aspired, that you have believed, that you've achieved, and most importantly, that you have done this together. Achieving together is the best way and you should be so proud."

A special prize was also presented by Tettenhall Rotary Club. The club gave out the prize to two students who created a special app during their week-long work experience placement. The app was designed to enable those coming to Wolverhampton, including refugees, to signpost them to services they may need.

George Jandhu, aged 16, of Tettenhall and Bako Ahmed, aged 16, of Ryefield won the awards.

President of Tettenhall Rotary John Margetts congratulated the students on their hard work and gave each student £25 and £50 to go towards a charity of their choice.

Principal James Ludlow said: "I will mention this only once, the Ofsted report, which said that we had serious weaknesses. Well I say that we are seriously brilliant, and that has been shown here tonight.

"I'd like to thank our fabulous students, our fantastic staff and our special guests for coming along to celebrate all that we have achieved and will continue to achieve."

During the presentation, parents called out in support of the Principal following the Ofsted report.