A new headteacher has vowed her school will become a “forerunner in education” after it was criticised in an Ofsted report.

Helen Pearson joined De Bohun Primary School, in Green Road, Southgate, in January after inspectors labelled it ‘inadequate’.

But the 39-year-old hopes the teamwork she has implemented has instilled a fresh optimism in the school.

Pupils believe their new head has transformed their learning experiences - something she hopes to extend to more children.

She said: “We want to change the mindset of the community and become the forerunner in education in Enfield. We know we can be.

“When I arrived parents were not even looking at us. They should have the confidence to send their children to their local school. I want de Bohun to become a school of choice.”

“Teachers should know what is expected of them. Likewise it is important that we set out clear targets for pupils to reach. We want them to take pride in their work”.

Last October’s Ofsted report placed the school in special measures, saying the teachers' expectations of pupils were too low and monitoring of teaching was not rigorous enough. 

It also cited poor attendance and low standards of reading, writing and mathematics across both key stages.

But now, the school is awash with colourful displays of work from all year groups, and parents can also view uploads of their children’s schoolwork online.

The recent Ofsted updates from January and June this year say de Bohun is on the right track and making progress towards being taken out of special measures.

Pupils are also enthused by the recent changes to both their learning and playtime.

Timi, in Year 6, said: “We like to earn our golden time which lets us relax on Friday afternoons after a busy week.

“Maths wiz is also a fun way of learning. My friend has to keep winning credits to feed his pet dragon.”

Year 5 pupil Alyssa said: “There is much more to do at lunchtimes now. Anyone can join in with games and there is a lunch club for people who don’t want to play outside”

The school has also adopted a peer mentoring system which acts as a support for any child who encounters difficulties.

Attendance figures have greatly improved in recent months, and the new senior leadership team is eager to put across the message that de Bohun is on an upward march.

Mrs Pearson, who has already taken a Yorkshire school from special measures to outstanding, vowed the hard work would continue.

She added: “This is a team effort. We have been working with parents and networking with other schools to bring the best features here.

“Those little people matter. Watch this space.”