The last 10 years have seen momentous change at Coleridge Primary School. The decision to allow more Crouch End children to attend the school by expanding to four-form entry by taking over the former TUC education centre was a courageous decision that has proved more than beneficial. We moved away from the tired system of home work to the more parent-based and relevant home learning. we embraced the principle of more adults in the classroom by welcoming parents and utilising the skills of the Teaching Assistants in a more structured way. We have done all this, and more, and still managed to improve teaching and learning.

This change must not stop. At a time when budgets are being slashed and austerity is the byword we must not put a brake on our ambitions to do better for our children. The world is changing and the school must change with it to fulfil our desire to make teaching and learning relevant for the next and future generations. The physical expansion of the school may be complete but we must continue to expand our horizons.

The challenges facing our children are not just academic. There is a need for us to educate the whole child; to become future citizens morally strong, with the ability to think for themselves and the ability to recognise the importance of health and fitness.

The gauntlet will be taken up by teachers, governors and parents. The staffing structure will remain flexible to accommodate high quality teaching and learning in order that every child fulfils their potential.

We must keep pace with technology, not allowing it to dominate school life but using it as a necessary tool in our teaching. The school day, already accommodating before and after school clubs, will develop over time to help working and single-parent families. The Victorian House and its development are crucial in this endeavour.

The landscape of Academies, Trust Schools and Free Schools are all on the horizon. They have to be understood, discussed and evaluated by our governors. We need to understand our strengths and know the areas we need to develop. It is important that Coleridge is not just the school on the top of Crouch End Hill, but a focus for the whole community.