A PRIMARY school teaching assistant and mother-of-two has died a week after being hit by a car.

Julie Maudsley, 51, from Coulsdon, passed away in hospital last Thursday after the incident in Coulsdon Road shortly after 11pm on August 2.

She is understood to have been crossing the road at the junction with Cearn Way when she was hit.

Mrs Maudsley was taken to hospital with serious head injuries, and remained there until her death.

Police said the driver stopped at the scene. No arrests have been made and police enquiries continue.

Mrs Maudsley, a teaching assistant at Keston Primary School, in Old Coulsdon, leaves two children; Rachael, 19, and James, 18.

Her maternal niece Natalie McCann, 30, said: "She was a very loved person, a very popular person.

"She didn't have a bad word to say about anyone.

"She was a caring and loving person, a wonderful mother, a mother anyone would wish for.

"She was also a wonderful sister and the best auntie you could ever ask for. She was everything."

She added: "No-one could say a bad word about Julie: she was an amazing woman; she was loved by many, many people."

Miss McCann said Mrs Maudsley had recently lost her father, and the two deaths in quick succession had left the family reeling.

She added that Mrs Maudsley had been to see an open-air theatre show in the grounds of the Coulsdon Manor Hotel, behind Cearn Way, on the evening of the incident.

Mrs Maudsley, who was divorced, had worked at Keston Primary for about 14 years, Miss McCann added – a job that fitted her nature perfectly.

She said: "She just was a caring person, she worked for her kids – that was her life."

Flowers and cards paying tribute to Mrs Maudsley have been fixed to a lamppost next to the incident site.

One card reads: "Mrs Maudsley, you were my best TA [teaching assistant] ever, hope you are looked after in heaven by the angels, love from Ben."

Keston Primary pupils are on holiday at the moment, so the school could not be reached for comment.

The Advertiser understands an off-duty paramedic who lives close to the incident helped Mrs Maudlsey until ambulances arrived.

Officers from the Met's Road Death Investigation Unit based at Catford are investigating.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact DC Phil O'Connor on 020 8285 1574.

AN ACADEMY which was once one of the country's worst secondary schools has been given a "requires improvement" notice by Ofsted.

Quest Academy - included in a list of the 100 best improving schools in the country by the Minister of State for Schools in January - was rated poorly for its high exclusion rate, weak sixth-form mock exam results and teaching inconsistencies.

The academy, sponsored by the Coloma Trust, replaced Selsdon High School in 2010 when the latter was ranked the 11th worst in the country.

During its time as Selsdon High, the school suffered poor exam results and was dogged by claims of scandal and ill-discipline, including a gun being brought into school by a pupil.

Last July, a monitoring inspection from Ofsted praised the academy's head Andy Crofts for his leadership - including a strict new disciplinary code.

However, a year later, inspector Christine Raeside has decided the academy has not improved enough to merit a "good" rating, meaning the school will have another inspection within two years.

"Across subjects, achievement varies," wrote Ms Raeside. "Attainment in 2012 was too low in a range of subjects.

"In many lessons, students learn well, especially in English, where teaching is consistently good. In mathematics, achievement is improving but has been more patchy because of weaknesses in teaching and difficulties recruiting good teachers."

However, she noted that "GCSE results have improved significantly" and "students who belong to minority ethnic backgrounds, such as those of African or Caribbean heritage and those who speak English as an additional language, achieve better than their White British peers."

Although she praised areas of the school's teaching, she wrote: "Where teaching still requires improvement, it is because expectations are too low, the pace of learning is too slow, or activities demand too little".

Ms Raeside also noted the improvement of pupils' behaviour and the effect of discipline, adding: "Permanent and fixed-term exclusions were unacceptably high in the past but are dropping fast.

"Fixed-term exclusions remain higher than academy leaders would wish, but reflect their intolerance of particularly challenging behaviour."

Head teacher Mr Crofts, said: "We have worked very hard to create a disciplined environment in which our students can learn well, and are delighted that this was recognised by Ofsted.

"We are particularly pleased that parents and carers also acknowledge this improvement in behaviour and know now that their sons and daughters are safe and well cared for."

Quest also has funding for a £16million sports centre, which will open in September 2014.

A HOUSE was burgled just days after a neighbour warned broken street lights would attract thieves to their South Croydon road.

Gerard O'Gorman, 59, of St Peter's Street, wrote to the Advertiser last Friday to complain about his pitch-black road and said it could lead to an increase in crime.

Just two days later, Steve Bonner, 46, and Les Sanders, 47, were burgled in the middle of the night by opportunistic thieves.

Mr O'Gorman had warned: "Just thought I would let you know as two nights without lighting could lead to crime and or accidents."

And with the lights still out two nights later, burglars forced entry and helped themselves to an iPad, two mobile phones and a new watch from Mr Bonner and Mr Sanders' home.

Mr Bonner said: "We were both sound asleep and heard nothing – the watch didn't cost much but, you know, it is still my watch.

"I think not having lights in our road has made it far more of a target for burglars. People say burglars are out more when people are on holiday, but we were at home."

And Mr Bonner, who like Mr Sanders works for Marks & Spencer, said it was a frightening experience.

He added: "It's really awful being burgled, not just for the stuff that was stolen, but just knowing that people were walking around your house while you slept. It's scary.

"The people who operate the lights should fix them immediately."

Just two weeks ago, people complained streetlights in the same road were on full beam at all times during the day – needlessy increasing the cost to taxpayers.

Mr O'Gorman, a practice manager for a solicitors firm, said he has been in touch with Croydon Council, which said it was the responsibility of its contractor, Skansa.

Skansa then told him it is only responsible for the lighting units, and that UK Power Networks is in charge of the electricity supply.

UK Power refused to speak to Mr O'Gorman because its contract was with the council, which then finally said it would take action.

Mr O'Gorman said: "It's very poor from everyone involved. They've been passing the buck all over the place.

"There could be a serious accident because it is a cut-through road for cars and pedestrians.

"On the council website, they say it is a 24-hour callout service. Well, it has been a week and we're still waiting.

"You can't for definite say the burglary happened as a direct result of the lights being out, but we've lived here for eight years and I don't recall a burglary in the street."

A council spokeswoman said UK Power Networks had been made aware of the problem.

WITH diehard supporters, everyone's favourite manager and Premier League status – Crystal Palace Football Club is its community's pride and its obsession.

Promotion to the Premier League in May put Ian Holloway's boys back in the big time and now, as the new season beckons, all eyes are on Selhurst Park.

When Tottenham Hotspur leave their dressing room to a deafening roar today, they will not be in for an easy afternoon.

Fans have flocked to buy more than 16,000 season tickets for this season and full houses are expected to be the norm this season. But Steve Ware, 59, said Crystal Palace is like an addiction and as a local lad he never had any choice in who to support.

Steve, who grew up in South Norwood but now travels from Hampshire for games, said: "Once Palace is in your blood, you can't get rid of them.

"They're in your heart and that doesn't change. I have fond memories of sneaking into the ground in the old days.

"I think we could stay up, but we would need to maintain that spark we had most of last season."

Vikesh Mistry, 24, from Croydon, believes the club represents the best features of the borough and is one of its proudest assets.

He said: "The club epitomises everything that's good about Croydon. The supporters, the atmosphere and the spirit of the club. We're all pulling together in the same direction."

There is real optimism around the club after this promotion that the club could make progress and stay in the Premier League for the first time after four failed attempts since 1992.

But Ron Gadd, 65, a member of the West Country Eagles, who lives in Somerset, does not think fans should worry too much.

Ron, originally from Thornton Heath, said: "Us older fans who have been around a while have seen it all, so we don't mind too much what happens this season. We're just going along for the ride.

"It's certainly not boring and that's why last season I travelled up for as many games as I have in years. That enthusiasm is still there after all these years.

"I wouldn't change anything about Palace."

A PUPPY found abandoned tied to a tree in a park could be destroyed because it is the "wrong breed".

Dog-lover Derek Collison discovered a male pitbull/bull mastiff-cross tied to a tree with rope in South Norwood Country Park last Wednesday.

Mr Collison, 52, walks his two labradors round the park every day, but was horrified to find the young dog choked by its lead and with bloodshot eyes.

He waited with the dog and called the council, RSPCA and police, who each said it was not their responsibility.

After two hours, Mr Collison cut the dog loose and took him to Foxgrove Veterinary Surgery in Beckenham, where they called Croydon Council's dog wardens to take him.

The last thing he was told by wardens was that the dog would be destroyed – even though Mr Collinson had already found someone offering him a new home.

Mr Collison, of Vincent Road, East Croydon, said he was livid about the dog's abandonment and that whoever was responsible should be locked up.

He said: "It's disgusting. How could anyone do this to what seemed to be such a lovely dog in good nick? There's a chance it could have been stolen, but that seems unlikely.

"The poor thing was just sitting there trying to get away. He was being strangled by his lead and was very distressed.

"You hear bad things about these types of dogs, but he was good as gold once I cut him off and gave him some treats."

Mr Collison thinks the owners may live nearby because when he took the dog down Harrington Road, South Norwood, he appeared to know where he was going.

The Royal Mail manager, who used to prefer cats, added: "I think he probably knew the way home. Dogs are so loyal. I don't know what sort of horrible person would do this.

"How would they like being tied to a tree by its neck for hours?"

It is illegal in the UK to own certain types of dog, including those with the characteristics of a pitbull terrier.

Mr Collison said: "I know they have a bad name, but this dog doesn't deserve that. He was a friendly little thing.

"I'd have taken him if I didn't have the other two. A guy on one of the Palace message boards said he would love to have him because his dog died recently.

"Why destroy a dog when it could have a loving home?"

A council spokeswoman said if the dog is confirmed as a 'dangerous dog' the authority has no choice but to have it destroyed.

A NURSERY in Thornton Heath rated inadequate by Ofsted for "seriously jeopardising the safety of children" says it is lodging a formal complaint about the watchdog.

Last week, Victory Day School in Woodville Road was given the rating for breaching its legal duty by "repeatedly failing to protect children's safety".

However, solicitors Icon Paralegal Services (IPS) are acting on behalf of the nursery's directors and governors who believe the report "is not objective and factual".

Ofsted suspended the nursery's operations on July 9 because inspectors were concerned children were "at risk of harm". But IPS said Ofsted's subsequent inspection could not be objective because they came with a "premeditated decision" that the nursery was putting children in danger.

"It is pertinent to note that Victory Day School has been in existence since 1994 and has maintained a positive reputation in their provision of services," the solicitors said.

After the suspension in early July, the nursery took legal action against the watchdog. According to IPS, after a preliminary hearing on July 18, Ofsted accepted an "out of court settlement" and the suspension was lifted on July 29.

An Ofsted spokesman confirmed: "Victory Day School did make an appeal against our decision to suspend their registration but subsequently withdrew their application."

However, the nursery is now pursuing a formal complaint "to ensure that the injustice and personal opinions which beclouded a sense of objective judgment does not happen to any other school", according to lawyers.

IPS claimed the Ofsted inspector's team did not actually witness many of the activities mentioned in the report, and filed a number of inaccuracies about the nursery because views of the parents and children were not collected as party of the inspection.

The solicitors said parents "had made a mockery of the inspection" by returning their children to the nursery and that there was no "risk of harm", it added.

The Ofsted report focused on a number of fire hazards at the nursery.

The inspector, Linda du Preez, wrote: "The kitchen does not have a fire door to contain any fire, giving children and staff in the adjoining play area time to escape.

"Fire evacuation procedures are not well considered because the identified assembly point is located in the garden, which has no gates or exit routes.

"This seriously jeopardises the safety of children, staff and others on the premises in an emergency situation.

The private day nursery is owned and managed by Star Seed Education Affairs Limited, and has nine staff to care for 18 children.

The report also heavily criticised the nursery's leadership for failing to understand they were even putting children in danger, and not managing their behaviour.

Ms du Preez said she also rated the teaching of older pupils as poor ,and was concerned about the management of children's behaviour.

Dotun Akinwole, trustee of Star Seed, said he strongly disagreed with the report and thought the nursery had been "misrepresented".

TALKS are under way at Croydon University Hospital aimed at cutting the number of people on duty in operating theatres overnight.

Croydon Health Services has begun a consultation with staff about the suggested changes in working practices, which Unison has described as a "cost-cutting exercise" that would lead to staff working night followed by day shifts.

The consultation document shows that, at present, a total of seven nurses and one healthcare assistant work split shifts in the theatres from 9pm to 8am.

The suggestion is that staff numbers working all night could be reduced to one nurse and one healthcare assistant. But the report maintains care would not be hit because other staff would be on call to deal with any emergency operations.

It also points out that, between January and the end of June, just 34 operations have been undertaken after midnight.

Croydon Health Services said the changes would bring Croydon into line with most other hospitals, and with national guidelines for night-time cover in theatres.

But the changes appear at odds with the trust's recent decision to spend as much as £6.8 million it has not budgeted for – as part of an annual deficit of £14.5 million – to recruit more nurses, consultants and midwives, in part to ensure more senior cover on wards overnight.

Chief executive John Goulston said the deficit plan was the only way to drive up standards and reduce the reliance on agency staff.

Unison regional officer Michael Walker said: "Unison, along with other unions, remain concerned about these cost-cutting changes, primarily with the detrimental impact on nursing staff rotas.

"Our concern is that long-standing night staff will be forced to work days and nights, which is never nice.

"Management urgently needs to address these concerns and reassure staff appropriately."

He added: "What is clear is that it is in the interest of all for both management and unions to continue to address patient safety and over-reliance on agency nursing staff at the hospital."

Hospital deputy chief executive Karen Breen said: "We take the safety of our patients very seriously.

"We are looking at how best to schedule our theatre night duty cover to meet the needs of the service."

She said any changes would be monitored to ensure patient care and safety was maintained.

Ms Breen added: "Providing high-quality care 24 hours a day, seven days a week remains a key priority for the trust."

A MUSLIM community group's effort to help the homeless and hungry is gathering pace.

The Muslim Association of Croydon (MAC) has been running a weekly foodbank since April and now has up to 100 regulars, compared to roughly 20 when it started.

Spicy rice with chicken, lamb or vegetables, depending on the week, is dished out opposite Croydon mosque in Dunheved Road South, Thornton Heath, every Friday evening.

Ashtaq Arain, MAC secretary, said a walk through Norbury Park had impressed upon him the level of need.

He said: "Quite a few eastern Europeans were stood around and I started chatting to one of them. It was really heart-wrenching to hear their experiences of what they were going through.

"The majority of the people that I spoke to there were squatting and did not have any food or anything, so we decided it was about time that as a community we made some contribution."

He added: "We really wanted to do something for the community and we know these are difficult times for everyone.

"We wanted to contribute and one way we could see where we could do so is providing a service to the homeless.

"Croydon North has a very large Muslim community and it is important that we played our part in providing some sort of social association."

The project is run on donations and staffed by volunteers. Tandoori Corner restaurant in Thornton Heath provides and cooks the food at cost price. Mr Arain hopes to expand the project as funds become available.

Adam Mircovich, 28, from Poland, was among the men accepting the warm meal, coffee, tea and biscuits last Friday.

He said: "I don't have a job; that is the problem.

"I do painting and decorating and am trying to look for a job, struggling for something."

"I've no place to live, but can stay with friends here and there."

Mr Arain said he is also working to enlist the help of other organisations that can provide different kinds of practical support.

He added he was also trying to reach sections of the Muslim community for whom culturally ingrained pride might stop them visiting the food bank.

He said: "I know that the community is a very closed community and there are people there who are struggling as well. We want to provide them help as well but it is very difficult.

"I suppose it is the pride within them that stops them from coming but we are now trying to make sure that we can identify those in need and try to help them as well.

"We are trying to work with the mosque and with the imam – if there is any person who would know it is him.

"So we are trying to work with him to see if we can identify and let us know and then we would anonymously try to help them out in any way that we can

"We are in difficult economic times."

AN AUDITOR has rapped Croydon Council for "unfairness" in excluding several contractors from talks on the Waddon Ponds regeneration – even though they presented lower bids than the firm chosen.

Environmental consultants Ecosulis were contracted to restore and enhance the lake and ponds in late 2011 as part of the council's Parks to be Proud of Programme.

Before the contract was awarded, discussions were held with the company which resulted in their tender price being reduced from £103,425 to £99,950.

But when auditors from Deloitte examined the deal, they could find no evidence that the remaining contractors were also allowed to price the amendments, despite there being two lower tenders.

Their report, completed in June and obtained this week by the Advertiser under the Freedom of Information Act, said excluding companies from the negotiating process meant the council might not be able to "rebut any allegations of unfairness".

Deloitte identified the discrepancy as 'priority 1' (a major issue for the attention of senior management) and rated the overall project as having 'limited assurance' due to weaknesses in its controls.

It was, however, noted that failing to include the other bidders did not affect the outcome of the tender.

In its response to Deloitte's report, the council said it had sought clarification from Ecosulis after it included several items which were not in the design brief.

"It did not affect the overall selection of contractors who came in much cheaper, but their schemes proved either to be non-sustainable or had not followed the design brief," continued the response, adding: "Should the tender evaluation and selection process be challenged, we believe the council could adequately rebut any allegations of unfairness, providing the record of the decision-making is adequate."

The auditor found three bids had been lower than the winning bid (one 25 per cent less), with one only scoring one point less than Ecosulis on the design brief and specification assessment.

The Parks to be Proud of programme enabled the public to select nine green spaces in Croydon to share a windfall of £1.5 million.

YOUNG people are being urged to "think before they ink" amid concerns teenage tattoos can damage future employment chances.

According to recruitment specialists and even tattooists themselves, a visible design could put off potential employers, although several firms that spoke to the Advertiser insisted they would have no qualms about hiring someone with body art.

Sydney Kerosene, receptionist at tattoo and piercing shop Timebomb, in High Street, said: "Although so many people have tattoos these days, there is still a stigma among some employers. We're aware that many 18-year-olds don't know what they want to do yet, so we rarely tattoo hands or necks if it is their first tattoo.

"When I've gone for interviews myself before I've covered up my tattoos as best as I can. You never know if the employer will be put off otherwise. Don't get me wrong, I love tattoos, but some people see a problem with them."

Toni Camilleri, recruitment agent in Central Croydon, agreed that some body art could cause problems in interviews.

She said: "If a tattoo is in an obvious place, like the face or hands, then it can affect their chances of getting a job. Employers can be judgemental on a person's appearance, especially if they're in a role representing the company a lot, or for senior positions like a doctor or a lawyer."

In contrast, employers such as Miranda Ferrara, manager of Velvet beauty salon in Wickham Road, Shirley admits she has no fear of the needle.

"It's a way of expressing yourself" she said.

"Who doesn't have them these days? It doesn't affect a person's work. I'm all for tattoos."

In some industries image is crucial. Up and coming actress Natalie Martins, of Farleigh Road, Selsdon, said: "I'm fairly new to the industry so it's important to keep the door as wide open as possible. By getting a tattoo I run the risk of limiting myself to fewer roles.

"If I was a tattoo-covered star like Angelina Jolie or Johnny Depp I'd be able to get away with it.

"If I have tattoos up my arm and I'm auditioning to play the part of a schoolgirl, I can guarantee I wouldn't get the job."

Mercedes Rajner, receptionist at Carpe Diem tattoo studio in St George's Walk, said young people are influenced by celebrities.

She said: "Often customers ask for stars on the back of their neck, like Rihanna, or a sleeve like The Rock. Their fans regularly want the same design.

"I believe tattoos are becoming more accepted in society, so many people have them nowadays."

SATURDAY is a great opportunity for Palace to claim their first three points of the season when Sunderland come to SE25.

Having narrowly lost the first two games, the Eagles will be looking to give a good account of themselves on home soil, backed by another sold out crowd.

After this weekend, the next game is not until September 14 when Ian Holloway's side travel to Manchester United, so it would be ideal to get the first points on the board before heading into the international break.

If you didn't know, the game has been selected for Sky television coverage with a 5.30pm kick-off, but another bumper crowd is expected in SE25.

It was a disappointing display and result at Bristol City on Tuesday, and not many of the players can say they did enough to be in Holloway's first choice XI this weekend.

However, Jonny Williams has impressed so far after his two appearances from the bench against Spurs and Stoke City, so he will be hoping to get a chance from the start.

The wide areas are crying out for some creativity at the moment, but the game might be too soon for Yannick Bolasie to come back despite returning to light training, while Jerome Thomas seems to be another two weeks away at the maximum. But loan signing Jason Puncheon will be available and looks set to start on the right.

Marouane Chamakh is expected to keep his place after his first goal for the club last Saturday at the Britannia Stadium, while Dwight Gayle looks set to partner him.

However, we should probably expect Kevin Phillips to come on and make an appearance against the club he made his name at – and it would be interesting to see what he'd do if he scored too. A good reception is anticipated from the travelling support.

Owen Garvan did his chances of a recall no harm after his sublime goal at Bristol City, while skipper Mile Jedinak and Kagisho Dikgacoi may play the holding roles again.

At the back, Julian Speroni will come back into the side after being rested in midweek, as will the likes of Joel Ward, Danny Gabbidon, and Damien Delaney.

However, should Gallas sign, he will present another option for Holloway, as will Jonathan Parr, who we understand is very close to returning from injury.

Sunderland, on the other hand, have a host of new names in their squad after Di Canio made several changes over the summer.

They, like Palace, will be looking to get that first league win of the season after losing on the opening day against Fulham, while last weekend they had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Southampton, with former Palace defender Jose Fonte scoring a late equaliser for the hosts.

They also had to come from two goals down to beat Milton Keynes Dons in the Capital One Cup as well on Tuesday, scoring four late goals to win the tie.

Italian international Emanuele Giaccherini is class act and is clearly the man to watch from the opposition, while Adam Johnson is a tricky customer with an eye for goal on either flank.

Meanwhile, David Vaughan was linked with a move to Palace in June and may also feature in the middle of the park.

If the Palace faithful can get behind the team as always then anything is possible, and this could well be the first three points of the season.

After all, if they're to have any chance of staying up, they will need to be winning their home games, especially against teams like Sunderland.

Advertiser Sport can see the Eagles coming away with a 2-1 victory.

IT IS one of the most recognised pieces of music on the planet and sends shivers down the spines of the world's greatest footballers.

But did you know the UEFA Champions League theme song was written by a former Croydon schoolboy who has now directed a film starring Trigger from Only Fools and Horses?

Tony Britten, 58, was commissioned to pen a classical piece to accompany the rebranded European Cup in 1992.

The former Trinity boy was asked to base the 'serious' piece, simply known as 'Champions League', on elements of Handel's music.

Tony, who also conducted the theme to the film Robocop, said: "I had a commercials agent and they approached me to write something anthemic and because it was just after The Three Tenors at the World Cup in Italy so classical music was all the rage.

"Hooliganism was a major, major problem and UEFA wanted to take the game into a completely different area altogether.

"There's a rising string phase which I pinched from Handel and then I wrote my own tune. It has a kind of Handelian feel to it but I like to think it's not a total rip-off."

Tony, who does not own the rights to the song but receives royalties from UEFA every time it is used, did not think it would prove such a hit with football fans.

He said: "I sort of knew when I finished it that it was good and I had done the job to the letter but I couldn't foresee it taking off quite like it did.

"It sounds arrogant to say but I was doing a lot of TV stuff at the time and it was just another job at the end of the day.

"UEFA have been very smart by not selling it to anyone because it is a very powerful audio-branding tool.

"Everyone knows it and when you hear it while making tea you think, 'let's go and watch the football'.

"But the key to any marketing tool is not to dilute the market with it and to keep it saved for special occasions."

The song is said to be so popular with players that even Gareth Bale cited the music as being one of the key reasons he wanted to play Champions League football.

Tony, who used to live on Hook Hill, Sanderstead, added: "That was very sweet of him and I'm happy to take the compliments.

"It has followed me round but I am proud of it and it's also opened other doors for me by allowing me to finance all the other arty-farty stuff I'm interested in."

Tony still composes occasionally but puts a lot of his energy into his film production company Capriol Films.

Last year, he wrote and directed independent sleeper hit In Love With Alma Cogan, starring Only Fools star Roger Lloyd Pack and former Heartbeat actress Niamh Cusack.

And his latest project was a film about fellow composer Benjamin Britten called Peace and Conflict.

He also returned to composing recently to write the music for The Sun's new app Sun+.

But Tony, who divides his time between homes in Norfolk and Honor Oak Park, south London, admits it is the Champions League song which he is most likely to be remembered for, adding: "It is probably one of the most well-known songs in the world because of the reach of football.

"I'm not the world's biggest football fan and would sooner watch rugby but it has done well for me, that's for sure."

ADDINGTON High's chair of governors believes it is time to "draw a line" under the school's troubled past and concentrate on its "promising future".

Next week pupils will return to a revamped secondary which Jo Tanner describes as "brighter, cleaner, better".

The school has endured tough times, with poor exam results, damning Ofsted reports and teacher scandals, but Ms Tanner said there was a real sense of optimism this year.

Addington High became an academy in June and while sponsors Ravens Wood have been working with the school for some time, when Year 7 pupils arrive on Tuesday morning it will feel like a fresh start.

The school, in Fairchildes Avenue, is in the process of being given a fresh lick of paint to go with its new uniforms.

But the biggest difference, Ms Tanner said, will be in the classroom where there will be an "utter commitment" to high standards.

"From the moment they come through the door, whether they are in Year 7 or have been with us a while, they will get the best education possible," she said.

"It's a fantastic time to be involved with the school. Seeing the changes, feeling the changes – when you walk in now it feels like a different place, like a place of business.

"All schools have challenging periods, and the last year has been really tough. But staff have gone the extra mile, and in many cases, the extra marathon. We're really pleased with the progress which has been made, but we want more."

Addington High and head teacher James Malley were given an early sign of this improvement when the school posted its best-ever GCSE results last Thursday - with 49 per cent of pupils achieving at least five A* to C grades.

"Our results were fantastic but this is just the start of the journey," said Ms Tanner.

"What we have to make sure is we get the basics right from the very beginning. From the moment Year 7 walk through the door they are going to have lots of maths, lots of literacy and lots of English."

Pupils will also notice physical changes to the school building, including a new entrance and reception area, with other improvements in the pipeline.

Addington High, rated as "inadequate" when Ofsted last visited in July last year, will not have to wait long for a chance to test the progress it has made. Following the academy conversion the school expects a visit, rather than full inspection, by the inspectorate in the coming term.

"We're really proud of what we have achieved over the last year, but the challenge hasn't changed," said Ms Tanner.

"We want to be an outstanding school."

GCSE results special pages 10-13

A GOLDEN school roof put up in Thornton Heath has been branded an eyesore by neighbours.

Whitehorse Manor Junior School and Whitehorse Manor Infant School, in Whitehorse Road, have been transformed over the summer as the school expands.

But residents have raised concerns about the appearance of the roof's golden 'Tecu' finish.

Richard Hough, of nearby Birchanger Road, said: "It's an absolute abomination and a disgrace.

"It used to be a beautiful building and now they've turned it into this monstrosity which is just modern for the sake of it.

"My mother used to go to that school during the war and she would be disgusted by this hideous new thing."

A teacher from the school, who wished not to be named but lives close by, said she was concerned that residents were not warned properly.

She said: "I'm looking for a word to be diplomatic so I'll probably say it's certainly different."

Andrew Wegg said: "It doesn't fit with the existing buildings or surroundings. Terrible."

Gerry Ryan, Labour councillor for Selhurst ward, said he could understand residents concerns but insisted there were other priorities.

He said: "I'm not on the planning committee so I didn't see the designs and I was a little surprised when I saw it go up. It's quite a combination.

"But I think the main thing when you talk to people is about the need for school places and this will open it up to more people."

Reaction to the new structure was not entirely hostile, however, as Ade George, 17, from Thornton Heath, thinks the gold building is an improvement.

He said: "It stands out. It's definitely more modern and is better than a lot of buildings around here."

The school site, which combines both infants and juniors, is run by Pegasus Academy Trust, which was formed in April 2010.

Whitehorse Junior was one of Croydon's most improved schools in league tables published last December, with a 23 per cent leap from the previous year in children meeting the required level.