Failing school’s ‘hung, drawn, quartered’ comment criticised
ASPECIAL school for boys has been severely criticised for “widespread” failures – and stating that badly behaved children will be “hung, drawn and quartered”.
Hunters Hill College – based in Blackwell, near Bromsgrove, but maintained by Birmingham City Council – has been placed in special measures by watchdog Ofsted after it was deemed “inadequate”.
The residential school accommodates boys aged between 11 to 16, many of whom have been diagnosed with conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism and Asperger syndrome.
Boarding was available
until
the end of the summer term but was suspended for the new academic year by the council following complaints over the break.
The Government has now issued an Academy Order.
Inspectors visited on September 18 and 19 following a number of complaints.
Ofsted highlighted “poor” behaviour and education standards, prevalent bullying, high levels of disruption in lessons, declining pupil attendance, low staff morale and high absence levels.
Their report said: “This school is failing its pupils. The quality of education is poor.
“Pupils leave at the end of Year 11 with weak skills in reading, writing and mathematics.
“Because of this, nearly all pupils who go on to college study courses at levels below what they should be studying. The school’s expectations of what pupils can achieve are too low. Some teachers try to raise standards in their subject.
“But too many staff accept
low standards of work and poor behaviour. This poor behaviour is stopping pupils from learning.”
They also criticised incorrect and missing records, “out-of-date” information and policies containing “inappropriate language”.
“For example, the behaviour management policy includes language that indicates that children will be subject to being ‘hung, drawn and quartered’,” said the report.
A council spokesman said: “The Ofsted report highlights significant issues at Hunters Hill.
“We will continue to work closely with the leadership team to support them in driving through sustainable improvements so that all children get the education they need and deserve.”