26 February 2015

First Minister visits Blue Gate Fields Primary School
The First Minister spent a busy Monday morning with the children of Blue Gate Fields Primary School in Tower Hamlets, which is now ranked in the top 20% of schools in England for attainment in English grammar and reading and top 40% for maths.

The First Minister saw how strong leadership and community involvement have played a key part in the school’s success.  She announced that a masters qualification for headship will be mandatory for all new headteachers from 2018/19

Building on the £100m Scottish Attainment Challenge to drive forward improvements on educational outcomes in the most disadvantaged communities, this announcement reflects the clear evidence of the importance of leadership on improving attainment.

Top of the class were Tracy Mandal and Sabir Abdullahi who were the First Minister’s tour guide for the morning.

They were fantastic guides and explained to the First Minister how their school worked and Tracy even managed a fine rendition of Auld Lang Syne.

The First Minister got the chance to interview Tracy, Sabir and their headmistress to find out what life is like in their London school, watch it here: