Redlands Primary School were chosen as this year’s School of the Year.
Redlands was described as a school with ‘an amazing vibe’ by its nominator.
It is a small school in the heart of Reading, said its nominator, “a wonderful, nurturing place that brings together children and families from many, many different nationalities, faiths, and backgrounds.
“The school has an amazing vibe and the children are all polite and happy. The teachers work incredibly hard to instil core values in the children and model positive behaviour.”
They added the school is well integrated into the local community and “has a very special feeling”.
Redlands achieved an Ofsted requires improvement in 2022 “but since then the new leadership team have put in an incredible amount of work to turn the school around.
“Family and friends have raised £20,000 for a new school library. The school has set up SEN provision. The quality of education is excellent. The children are proud and happy to attend Redland,” said a nominator.
Headteacher Christian Lim said: “For me this award belongs to the children and their families.
“They’ve been on a massive journey over the past few years, and it’s great to be able to recognise them, and our committed staff.
“The children, the families and the whole community all rallied round.
“With everyone’s support the school has gone from needing improvement, to now being rated securely good.”
Aaron explained: “About three years ago Ofsted said that the school required a change in the leadership team.
“Now we have a really solid leadership team and we’re working with nearby Alfred Sutton Primary School.
“Christian has been a huge part of the process.
“As well as being deputy head at Alfred Sutton, he also took on the role of deputy head at Redlands.
“Now he’s the headteacher of Redlands, and is taking the school on a journey, bringing the curriculum backup, and adding some life and soul back into the staff’s experience.
“It has been a very difficult time.”
“It isn’t all down to me,” said Christian.
“A massive amount of work was done already by Laura Kerr, head of school, now headteacher at Alfred Sutton. “It’s genuinely been a real community effort of passion and commitment.
“Many people have worked together to help turn the school around.
“We’re right in the heart of the community we serve, so all our families were ready to support us.
“And many of our staff have been with us for years and years, so there’s huge emotional investment there too. It’s a wonderfully diverse school and a true reflection of our community – something we celebrate.
“The children always love an award, so for them, and for all our families and staff members, this recognition is a great way to celebrate the whole community’s commitment to Redlands Primary.”
