Bishopsford Community School is on a rising tide of achievement despite being on the government’s National Challenge list for not reaching the Government’s benchmark of 30% of pupils getting 5 or more good GCSEs.

In fact, in the past two years the number of pupils who achieve 5 or more good GCSEs including English and maths has nearly doubled and Bishopsford is now only 1% under the government’s target; proof that the school is on track to achieve the Government target this year. Merton Council, the staff and the governors of Bishopsford are committed to the ongoing improvement of the school and already have an action plan in place to achieve this. This includes extra funding from the London Challenge, expert advice and mentoring from experienced head teachers as well as support from consultants from the Local Authority.

Bishopsford’s most recent Ofsted report showed that it is making steady improvements under the strong leadership of head teacher, Andrew Barker. The report stated that the curriculum is broader, more interesting and that both teaching and learning are improving. It also commended the initiatives implemented by the head teacher that are beginning to bear fruit in a range of areas.

It is also one of the few schools in London that can boast that this year all students will leave with at least one qualification. Apart from GCSEs, Bishopsford offers a range of vocational BTEC courses including performing arts, science and ICT.

Bishopsford is a Performing Arts School and in recognition of its strong arts curriculum, Bishopsford was recently awarded Artsmark Gold status by the Arts Council. This is the first time the school has received this award and is the highest level of achievement a school can attain.

Head teacher Andrew Barker said:
‘My commitment to my students and their parents to drive the school forward to become a centre of excellence is as strong as when I took up the Headship of Bishopsford last year. We are most certainly moving forward and with their support will continue to do so. We are confident that this year we will achieve the government’s GCSE target as well as get particularly good results for arts and foundation subjects ‘

Cabinet Member for Children’s Services Councillor Debbie Shears said:

‘Bishopsford Community School has made great strides in improving standards and continues to do so. Merton Council is absolutely confident that the school will achieve the government’s benchmark for GCSEs this year but recognises that there is much to be done to bring about further improvements and