National Support School Status
Awarded to Tuxford School
Following the visit from Ofsted inspectors in May - and their conclusion that Tuxford is an outstanding school - the National College for School Leadership invited Executive Headteacher Chris Pickering to be a National Leader of Education. This is a significant achievement as membership is restricted to outstanding school leaders who can advise ministers and other key stakeholders on education policy. The long term aim is to establish 500 NLEs by 2012, with 300 in primary schools and 200 in secondary schools across the country. National Support School status is awarded at the same time as NLE. This is recognition that development of successful systems and initiatives within a school is a team achievement. One of the criteria for designation as an NSS is that a school has achieved "Outstanding" after Ofsted scrutiny.
Several Tuxford School staff are already helping to shape education in Nottinghamshire and beyond through participation in county projects and steering groups. Further deployment of Mr Pickering and his NSS team in support of "client schools" is expected in future. (It is the responsibility of local authorities to award contracts). Everybody connected to Tuxford School can be proud that we are now players on the national stage. Not bad for a little place that was once regarded as the back of beyond!