Hampstead Norreys Primary leads the way

There have been double celebrations at Hampstead Norreys Primary School.
Last week, it was awarded a gold Primary Science Quality Mark, and earlier this month, headteacher Alexandra Butler became the first from West Berkshire to be appointed a National Leader of Education.
The quality mark was awarded in recognition of the school’s commitment to excellence in science teaching and learning. The school was also praised for the support it has given to the improvement in science education, led by teacher Alice MacDonald, at other West Berkshire schools.
Gold awards were presented to just 62 schools nationwide, and Hampstead Norreys is the first in the local education authority to receive it.
Miss Butler said: “To gain a gold award on our first attempt is an achievement [of which] my colleagues, the children, parents and governors at Hampstead Norreys should be very proud.”
Miss Butler is one of 96 headteachers in the latest government recruitment to be named a national leader, who provide assistance to struggling schools or in those in transition to federation or academy status.
The National College for Teaching and Leadership chief executive, Charlie Taylor, said: “It’s great that heads [such as] Miss Butler are willing to look beyond their own school gates to help more and more pupils
achieve.”