Martin Primary School in East Finchley

[germanefficiency]

Hello all, went to have a tour around this school in London, N2 a few days ago.
They last had an Oftsed inspection in November 2011.

Have since hear that pparently the head changed last September 2015 (she had been deputy I believe, or at least already a member of staff within the school). She didn't mention this at the tour, as such.

The school has been judged outstanding by Ofsted and several families I have spoken to in and around the area, have rated it very highly indeed.

The children seemed engaged, happy, respectful and behaved tremendously well. Teachers seemed motivated, fair and kind.

Headteacher was ok - a little gushy perhaps, but rather cagey when she was asked by another parent about the school's falling KS2 SATs results, over the past few years.

At that point, perhaps she ought to have mentioned that she was a newish head too. All she said was "there is room for improvement, I suppose", but couldn't be prompted to say more.

I since had a look at the SATs myself and admittedly, they don't read well at all.

That said, they have fallen consistently since the outstanding Ofsted in 2011.

I can't understand why a school with such a great Ofsted and good reputation locally, could have worsening SATs 9though they picked up very little last year).

I want to send my chid here, but am now a little concerned there is something I haven't understood properly.

Any thoughts?

[germanefficiency]

2015 KS2 Performance Tables last update : (10 Dec 2015)
National Statistics status means that these statistics meet the highest standards of trustworthiness, quality and public value.
Year on year comparisons

Percentage achieving Level 4 or above in reading, writing and maths

2012 2013 2014 2015
School 67% 68% 75% 77%
LA 79% 79% 83% 84%
England 75% 75% 78% 80%

[germanefficiency]

Basically, how much should parents be taking these SATs to heart, above and beyond the impression they have had of a particular school and its Ofsted?

Thanks

[RitchyBestingFace]

I'm not sure you've got it right about the SATs - though below local and national average they've been consistently improving since 2011. This is the link

They could be better but the school also has a larger % of FSM and EAL pupils which will affect results. However I'm not an expert - hopefully someone will be able to give a better explanation. I know improving results is a big focus for the governing body. But I also know that the net benefit of SATs for primary pupils is hotly debated (on MN especially). Assuming you are applying for a reception place you should treat today's sats results proportionately - in 5 or 6 years many changes will take place.

My DC are in KS1 at Martin's and I think the overall impression you have of the school is correct. From my own DCs' experience I think the teaching staff strive for (and often achieve) high standards and the pupils seem to be happy children who love learning. On an anecdotal level I think the standards my DC and his friends are at compared with other schools (especially outside London) seem high. I may not be objective though!