A Wandsworth primary school has been named as one of the government’s new English Hubs.

Chesterton Primary School is one of 32 schools nationwide recognised for their excellence in teaching and learning, and is now charged with supporting other local schools to raise their standards.

Executive Headteacher Mark Siswick said: "My team worked extremely hard to put this bid together and so we’re delighted to have been named as one of just 32 English Hubs across the country. We set out a clear plan for supporting other local schools with their teaching of early language and reading, using strategies that we have tried and tested over the years. Within our own school 95 percent of Year 1 pupils passed the Phonics screening check, and 96 percent of pupils who have just left our Year 6 met expected standards in reading, writing and maths in their SATs. We know what’s possible with the right teaching approaches and the support of the whole school community. We’re looking forward to getting on with the job."

Chesterton Primary will spread best practice and teaching techniques by: Providing school workshops for teachers and more intensive school-to-school support, Identifying specialist literacy teachers who will get additional training to act as experts in teaching in early language and reading from Reception year to Key Stage 1 and Building a network of excellent Phonics teaching in the region.

In his letter to Chesterton’s executive headteacher Mark Siswick, Mayor of Wandsworth Cllr Piers McCausland said: “I wanted to write to you to offer you, your teaching staff and governors, plus your parents and pupils my heartfelt congratulations at your stunning achievement in being named as one of the Government’s new English Hubs. 

“As I understand it Chesterton is one of only 32 in the entire country and just four in London to have been selected for this hugely important role, based on your consistently outstanding standards achieved in English over recent years and your proven track record in supporting other schools through the Wandle Teaching School Alliance. 

“This is a tremendous achievement and one worthy of the highest praise. Your school’s support for others in Wandsworth will no doubt be warmly welcomed by children, families and schools across the borough.”

Work is already underway and schools keen to get involved should register their interest at this link http://www.chesterton.wandsworth.sch.uk/index.php?page=english-hub-info