DYNAMIC MANAGEMENT HAS transformed Robert Clack from one of the worst performing schools in the country in 1997 to one of the top 1% in 2008. The school, which serves Dagenham and Barking, where poverty and unemployment are high, is now an official high-performing specialist school recognised for its excellence in science, maths and ICT, and languages. Spirits are high at Robert Clack, which comes first out of all organisations in our list for Leadership, My Company and Personal Growth. It notches up 21 top positive scores in our questionnaire, proving that it's not just interested in the needs of its students. Employees think that the state school provides a great service and is run on strong principles, winning positive scores of 85% and 78% respectively in our survey. The work people do here is an important part of who they are (78%), there are plenty of opportunities for them to learn and grow (65%) and they wouldn't leave tomorrow even if they were offered another job (72%). Four members of staff are studying for further degrees partly funded by the school. Work is stimulating (77%) and employees believe they can make a difference in the school (78%) as well as a contribution to its success (79%). Head teacher Sir Paul Grant led the transformation of the school through a focus on values, praise and good behaviour. He is an inspiration to staff (73%) from senior managers, who truly live the values of the organisation (72%), to managers, who help staff fulfil their potential and motivate them to give their best every day (69% and 65%). Employees, who get a minimum of 30 days' holiday and up to 66 days, are happy with their pay and benefits (71%). The 271-strong workforce, almost 40% of whom earn £35,000 or more, think they are fairly paid relative to others in similar jobs in equivalent organisations (70%) and compared to others within the school (65%). They love working here (75%). www.robert-clack.bardaglea.org.uk
