From David Hutchings, Exeter 382594, January 26, 2007

DEVON'S schools' chief is continuing her fact-finding tour of the county with a visit to one of Exeter's new secondary schools next week.

Anne Whiteley, who became Director of Children and Young People's Services in Devon last year, will visit St James School on Tuesday (January 30).

Mrs Whiteley has been calling on schools across the county over the past few months to meet staff, pupils and parents. She has sat in on lessons and observed other aspects of school life.

This summer St James recorded its best ever results in the Key Stage 3 exams which pupils sit at 14 years old.

They had the best value added score for science in the South West and have been officially congratulated by the Department for Education and Science.

Headteacher Helen Salmon, who took over the school last September, will be discussing the results with Mrs Whiteley and showing her around the new school buildings.

She will also meet members of the school council to talk about education and local government.

Today Helen Salmon said: "I am delighted to be welcoming Anne Whiteley to St James.

"We now have a building which is fit for purpose where we can really focus on learning and raising the achievement of our students.

"We have been really pleased with our Key Stage 3 results, particularly in maths and science, and we are working very hard with our students to raise our GCSE results significantly.

"Things are really improving at St James and I am delighted with how we are progressing."

An Ofsted inspection of the school last term concluded: "The new headteacher provides strong leadership and has a clear focus on raising standards. There are good plans in place for taking the school forward."

NOTE TO NEWS EDS: Reporters and photographers are welcome to cover the visit next Tuesday from noon.