‘Education is a moral imperative’

The school, which is host to 96 teachers and 1,332 children - 300 of which are in the Sixth Form, aims to foster a genuine sense of respect for the individual alongside an appreciation of the cultures and beliefs of others.

Founded in 1960, the school was previously known as Spring Grove Grammar School, and is now a Beacon School, Training School and one of only four newly designated Humanities Specialist Schools from September 2004. Its specialist subjects include English, Media, History and Religious Education.

Head teacher, Sue John, has been in post for the past seven years. She told the Times: "Education is a moral activity and inclusion is therefore a moral imperative.

"There is a strong emphasis on teaching and learning and regular monitoring of standards by senior staff. Teachers are encouraged to be innovative in the classroom and employ a variety of methods and techniques to suit the learning styles and abilities of the pupils.

"There are strong support systems for pupils, including a programme of extension and enrichment activities for Gifted and Talented pupils.

"Visitors to the school frequently comment on the purposeful work ethic and good behaviour amongst pupils. Relationships between members of the school community are based on mutual respect, a theme that is re-enforced through the assembly programme and in lessons."

When Professor Tim Brighouse, Commissioner for London Schools visited the school last term he commented that "You have every right to be proud of your school, it's excellent. What I really like is the restless search you have to make it better".

A new £2.2 million sports hall is in the final stages of construction and will be ready for November 2004. It will include a fitness gym, badminton courts, small restaurant and booking facilities for local community use at evenings and weekends. A "sprung floor" gym is also used fully during the course of the week. Expectation for further developments include floodlit "Redgra" areas for football, netball and hockey.

A suite of music rooms, including a dedicated keyboard room is complemented by a dedicated staff of full time and peripatetic teachers. Lampton School Jazz Band has a growing reputation for the quality of its music and visits other schools for performances and workshops.

The recent production of "Small Poppies" which tackled issues of race and difference was an outstanding success. The annual "whole school" production has become an eagerly awaited part of the school calendar. Underpinning these productions are GCSE and A Level drama lessons and many visiting theatre in education companies which have given dramatic presentations in subjects as diverse as road safety and Macbeth.

Students study either French or German but also have the opportunity to learn both European languages. There is also the opportunity to learn Panjabi and Arabic on the timetable as well as Urdu, Persian and Bengali.

"The Lampton School community values diversity and seeks to give everyone in the school an equal chance to learn, work and live, free from the action, or fear of racism, discrimination or prejudice.

"This is the cornerstone of all that we do in school and our work in this respect is monitored by the Equalities Group and Senior Managers. All pupils study Religious Education to GCSE and Mr Carroll, the Head of RE often refers to RE as Respect Everyone'. "The school raises money each year for local, national and international charities. We have strong links with a primary and secondary school in Uganda, and give regularly to Jeans for Genes, the Shooting Star Hospice, Water Aid and the annual Poppy Day Appeal.

"Currently we are developing links with schools in Prague, Pakistan and India.

"Lampton School is one of only 130 schools in the whole of England who currently have four designations: Humanities College, Training School, Enterprise Learning Pathfinder School and Beacon School. We are also an early adopter for School Change, an important new government initiative.

"These designations and initiatives bring a wealth of opportunity for the school and open new avenues of learning for both pupils and staff. We will build on these initiatives seeking always to be bold and innovative in developing the opportunities available to our pupils."