THE head teacher of St Peter Port School has defended the decision for it to undergo a validation despite its imminent closure. ‘My staff worked very hard in writing the self-evaluation activities undertaken by the school itself,’ said Ken Wheeler.

‘The final report is the sum total of lots of individuals’ work. They deserve the recognition that validation gives them and it would have been wrong to rob them of that opportunity.

‘We couldn’t ask for a better start to what is the final year of St Peter Port School’s existence in its present guise.’

The results of the March validation, which followed a year of self-evaluation, were released today.

The school came out of the independent report very well. Of all the lessons observed, 91% were judged to be of at least satisfactory standard while 58% were either good or excellent.

These were an improvement on when the school was last inspected in 2001 when the figures were 83% and 46% respectively.

It was particularly strong in mathematics and in areas of humanities, ICT, careers, life skills, business and communication systems, art, music, PSHE and PE.

The report also praised the work of the teachers and of Mr Wheeler’s contribution.

‘He receives very good support from a fully committed team of senior managers, teachers and non-teaching staff,’ said the report.

‘A calm, purposeful and friendly ethos has been established which allows for positive teaching and learning. There is a strong focus upon mutual respect and support.’