| |
New school project: An architect’s view of how Pimlico might look |
Head warns of tough challenges
THE future of Pimlico School is a little clearer following plans for a multi-million pound rebuild and headteacher Jo Shuter committing to the school until September 2008.
Ms Shuter, named the best secondary school head in the country at last months’ Teaching Awards, will split her week between Quintin Kynaston in St John’s Wood and Westminster’s only other community school in Lupus Street.
She has ruled with strength at the school, which was placed on special measures in January, imposing a tough regime aimed at tackling attendance, behaviour and axing failing staff.
She said: “We need to replace middle managers and teachers who are not performing.
“There are five or six who are consistently performing inadequately. Half of those may be able, with support, to deliver a standard of lessons we expect.
“Six management staff are struggling – we are looking at alternatives. It’s tough.
“When I came I did not realise how complex the challenges were. There is no leadership from senior management level to student leadership.
“We totally underestimated this. It is a significant barrier to success.”
Plans for a multi-million pound new building for Pimlico were unveiled on Tuesday.
The plans, out for consultation, show architects’ designs as part of £150 million move to upgrade Westminster’s nine schools.
French construction company BPEC is understood to be on the verge of winning the contract for the Building Schools for the Future project after a rival bidder QED was eliminated.
BPEC is overseeing the Home Office’s new build in Marsham Street.
A meeting on Monday at 7pm in City Hall will determine whether Pimlico School stays a community school.
Parents, teachers and pupils are bringing placards and banners to oppose the council’s academy plan. |
 |
|
| |
| |
