It is a pleasure to introduce this School Improvement Plan 2007 - 2010. The school has travelled a dynamic journey from "serious weaknesses" in 1998, to making "enormous strides in improvement" by 2000, and being judged "an inspiring school that provides an outstanding education" in December 2006. (Successive Ofsted reports 1998, 2000 and 2006).

This journey has been an exciting and dynamic one which has required passion and commitment from the school's stakeholders; governors, staff, our pupils and their parents. This commitment and belief has enabled the school to be transformed into a community which recognises the central place of high quality teaching and learning, alongside a supportive environment and aspirations - both individual and institutional - which are regularly reviewed and revised.

The challenge for the school community during the life of this School Improvement Plan is to now consolidate that which Ofsted has identified as outstanding, and to determine the avenues for progress that the school should now embrace.

This document, the School Improvement Plan 2007 - 2010, is the leading document that guides this journey through detailing the school's planned strategic developments.

The school has over recent years developed rigorous and robust systems for evaluating its effectiveness, especially with regard to its core business of standards in teaching and learning. Through systematic and self-evaluation of the school's progress, and regular reviewing of its strength and weaknesses, seven priority areas for action have been identified for the next phase of school improvement.

In undertaking the actions planned in respect of each of these, it is intended that the school will be able to consolidate its "outstanding" status, and build securely on these foundations to become a recognised centre of excellence in education practice.

The seven priorities areas are:

1. To further develop the curriculum, programmes and activities to ensure .....

• experience and actively engage in their learning, progress and achievement(s)
• confidently develop positive attitudes, values and other personal qualities

2. To develop a team of staff who share a passionate vision for enabling high performance and achievement for each member of the school community - pupils, staff and governors.

3. To explore ways of further developing positive partnerships with parents/guardians in support of their child's academic, social and emotional development.

4. To ensure accommodation and resourcing serves the needs of the 21st century teaching and learning.

5. To further develop the culture of enterprise through exploring strategies for enhancing the business potential of the school.

6. To ensure King Ethelbert School is a digitally intelligent school through continuous research, analysis and appropriate implementation of the most effective technologies, in support of motivational learning, teaching and the efficient organisation of the school.

7. To overtly recognise and embrace the school's designation as a community school, ensuring it is a dynamic and valued resource that serves its wider community.