Ofsted praises turn-around

A city secondary school ordered to brush up by inspectors has now received a glowing Ofsted report.

Canterbury High School was downgraded to a ‘ requires improvement’ rating in 2015, sparking a strongly- worded response from head Phil Karnavas.

At the time, he accused the watchdog of operating a “crude academic race which for many children is unwinnable” as inspectors focused on exam results rather than factors such as the school’s culture and ethos.

Following the most recent visit to the Knight Avenue school on October 11 and 12, inspectors have now rated the school ‘good’ in all categories.

They noted pupils’ progress had improved since the last rating was given, with more achiev- ing English and maths GCSES.

They also praised the school’s “large and successful sixth form”, where “excellence flourishes” in the performing arts, sports and practical learning.

Inspectors wrote: “The curriculum, facilities and resources are outstanding and the choice of subjects is exceptionally varied and rich.”

While the report was overwhelmingly positive, the watchdog said more work needed to be done to support disadvantaged pupils and increase attendance among persistent truants.

Principal Mr Karnavas said: “This report is very positive and favourable but irrespective of what anyone may have said I have always believed that The Canterbury High School was, at least, a good school.

“Its core belief that every child is good at something matters now more than ever at a time when such weight appears given to pointless statistical measurements rather than to children as individuals.”

Head Phil Karnavas