Phoenix that rose from the ashes

A HEADTEACHER who inspired a BBC drama has turned one of London's most notorious failing schools into one of its most successful, league tables show today.

Sir William Atkinson took over as head of comprehensive Hammersmith School in 1995.

He immediately renamed it Phoenix High School and has now taken it from the bottom of the league tables to one of the most improved in the capital. The school came top in London this year for its value added score. That means the school helps pupils make more progress than expected, based on their backgrounds.

About two thirds of pupils at Phoenix, which Ofsted judged to be "outstanding" in last year's report, have learning difficulties or disabilities.

Despite this, 44 per cent of GCSE pupils scored five Cs or more in the latest league tables.

Sir William said the key to raising standards was to have the highest expectations of pupils and the community.

Sir William said: "We have managed to get these results through years of sustained achievement. We work with parents and the community as well as our children. By raising standards in the whole community, we can raise standards among the children."

Sir William, who was the inspiration for Lenny Henry's headteacher character in BBC1 drama Hope And Glory, said: "Beating up those schools considered to be failing is not the answer.

"At Phoenix High School, we are just the tip of the iceberg. Schools in London need to be encouraged."