School goes straight to the head of the class

3:44pm Wednesday 6th July 2005

A school that was named and shamed has turned its fortunes around after successfully gaining specialist status.

Six years ago Selhurst High School for Boys was deemed to be a failing school and placed in special measures.

A year later, following the appointment of headteacher Joan Pickering, the school in The Crescent, Croydon, was taken out of special measures where inspectors believe the school is failing or is likely to fail and has continued to make steady improvements.

GCSE results have improved year on year, and there was an 11 per cent increase in the number of students gaining passes last summer.

It has now been granted specialist college status in maths and computing.

Headteacher Joan Pickering said: "I am absolutely delighted, the school has improved dramatically due to the hard work and commitment of the pupils and staff, and the continuous support of the parents and carers.

"We are now looking forward to working with our primary and secondary partners to ensure that all pupils and members of the local community can benefit from the enhanced facilities."

Selhurst is one of three Croydon schools to receive specialist status. Shirley High School and Thomas More RC School in Purley were also celebrating after learning that their bids to become centres of excellence in performing arts and science had also been successful. Now there are 16 specialist schools in the borough.

All three schools will receive extra money to raise standards by extending the range of opportunities available for students.

Selhurst is being sponsored to the sum of £50,000 by Lord Harris of Peckham.

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