Maria Miller said, “It was great to meet the new headteacher Kirsty Protheroe who started at the school last September. She is keen to promote success, by helping students to achieve their best results, and providing support for those individuals that need extra help”.
The Costello School in Basingstoke, part of the Bohunt Education Trust family of schools, is rated by Ofsted as 'Good", has over 1200 pupils and is oversubscribed in the coming year.
Maria Miller said, “I want all Basingstoke schools to be 'Good" or 'Outstanding'. Having the opportunity of a good education is crucial to helping ensure that pupils reach their potential.
“The new Harriet Wellbeing Centre at the school, specifically for pupils experiencing Emotional Based School Avoidance, is a great additional facility, providing vital mental health provision for children that haven’t been to school for prolonged periods. Helping children having trouble in attending school due to anxiety and emotional challenges is essential for their ongoing life opportunities”.
All pupils are enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme in year 9 and there is a large, combined cadet force at the school.
Maria added, “I am pleased to see that the school also has a diverse arts department that encourages pupils creativity, with a large arts festival planned in March”.
