Ofsted inspectors have reported that Abbeywood Community School is making “satisfactory” progress in addressing specific areas of concern that were identified when the school was placed into ‘special measures’ at the end of last year.
Three inspectors visited the school on 15th/16th May and and their report was published today on the Ofsted website, although it had been made available to parents of children at the school before the half-term holiday.
Inspectors observed the school’s work, scrutinised documents and student progress tracking data and met with the Executive Headteacher, senior and middle leaders, teaching and non-teaching staff, students, the Chair of the Governing Body and Chair of the Resources Committee.
In addition, an inspector met with a representative of the local authority and an education consultant who provides support for the leadership of the school.
Writing in a letter sent home to parents, Executive Headteacher Dave Baker said:
“We knew that the inspection team would not acknowledge good progress until they see improved GCSE results this summer as evidence, so we were pleased to be told that progress was satisfactory in all aspects.”
“We were especially pleased that the lessons observed showed that 70% of teaching was good or better which is a significant improvement on last time and one which I hope you will find reassuring.”
“Please congratulate you son(s)/daughter(s) on the part they played in the inspection and for the way they have responded to the new expectations since the inspection in December.”
The four areas of concern addressed by the inspectors were:
- Achievement of pupils
- Quality of teaching
- Behaviour and safety of pupils
- Quality of leadership
Some of the inspectors’ key findings are:
Achievement of pupils
“The predictions for attainment and progress measures for Year 11 students this year show improvement across the vast majority of key indicators and, if achieved, will show outcomes closer to previous national averages. Nevertheless, although predicted outcomes for both groups show improvement, girls continue to outperform boys significantly.”
Quality of teaching
“The proportion of good or better teaching has increased significantly since the previous inspection. This reflects the strong focus on improving the quality of teaching using both internal and external support together with regular monitoring by senior and middle leaders.”
Behaviour and safety of pupils
“[The] increased level of expectation for behaviour required all staff to work together and this whole-school approach has led to improvement, although some students spoken to felt that the strategy was not applied consistently by all staff.”
“Improvements in teaching and learning strategies have meant that behaviour in lessons is generally at least satisfactory, and often better.”
Quality of leadership
“Since his appointment, the Executive Headteacher has made rapid improvements to the school’s provision and systems, although the impact of the changes on outcomes is not yet secure. Students, staff and the governing body recognise his very strong contribution to the development of the school during what has been a turbulent period. Although the pace of change has been rapid, morale is high and staff trust his leadership and accept the vision for long-term development at the school.”
For more details, read the full Ofsted report.
