School is praised for attempts to improve

Inspectors from the education watchdog recently visited the school for a third time since 2015’s damning report, and told head Jane Bailey ‘leaders and managers are taking effective action towards the removal of special measures’.

Mrs Bailey welcomed Ofsted’s letter, which came on the back of a boost in league table rankings, and shortly before the school is due to move into its new premises.

She told The Gazette: “It’s a hat trick: we’re delighted with the praise from Ofsted and to rise in the area rankings, while excited to be starting the move into our fantastic new facilities.”

In her letter, inspector Philippa Darley said the school met the minimum government standard for school leavers for the first time last year, and said attendance is on the up, while there are ‘high’ expectations for behaviour.

She said youngsters are being given mental health awareness classes, and have support from a dedicated counsellor, while English teachers have been spending time at a feeder primary school looking at teaching of reading and the quality of writing.

A number of areas where the school could improve were also identified, including achievement in science, and attainment for most the most-able of pupils and those that are disadvantaged.

The school, which will continue to be monitored as it fights to escape special measures, is expected to move into its new buildings, a three-storey main block and separate sports hall next door, ‘over the coming months’.

“We have kept to schedule and now have a brand new facility that will enable us to keep moving forward in our goals,” Jane added.