High school no longer in special measures but needs to improve
ARUNCORN secondary school has been removed from special measures three years on since the crisis status was imposed.
Education watchdog Ofsted sent a four-strong inspection team to St Chad’s Catholic And Church Of England High in June and published its findings on July 6, reporting that although no longer ‘inadequate’, it still ‘requires improvement’.
Inspectors gave a mixed review of the school with strengths and weaknesses.
They said outcomes at the end of Year 11 were below minimum Government requirements, disadvantaged students did not make enough rapid progress, attendance was low among poorer pupils and those with special educational needs or disabilities and the quality of teaching was not improving consistently or quickly enough.
The inspectors, led by Helen O’Neill, said fixed term exclusions were higher than national averages for children from low income families or with special needs or disabilities.
They added that too many sixth formers do not fulfil their potential, attendance and retention rates are low for sixth formers but showing signs of improvement, and steps taken by staff to make things better had not had enough impact.
Ofsted’s report said St Chad’s had strengths including the headteacher Mike Paziuk’s ‘clear vision’ to improve the school, adding that leaders and governors were ‘ambitious for every pupil’.
It said the establishment’s motto ‘faith in God, faith in ability, faith in each other’ permeates throughout, safeguarding was effected with vulnerable children ‘very well supported’ and behaviour was ‘orderly and calm’.
The inspectors said the ‘vast majority’ of pupils behaved well in lessons and their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development was ‘strong’.
However, inspectors added: “High staff turnover has had a negative impact on the quality of teaching, learning and behaviour across the school.
“It has also had a detrimental effect on staff morale, as staff have weathered many changes to policies and procedures as well as changes in leadership at all levels.”
“Governors and senior leaders are committed to reducing turbulence.
“They are working hard to stabilise staffing so that improvements can be consistent and more rapid.”
Following the publication of the report, Mr Paziuk said: “The headline from this report is that St Chad’s is a school that no longer requires special measures. Let me take this opportunity to thank you for your support.
“The dedication of pupils, parents, staff and governors, in other words a community supporting each other, has resulted in this move out of special measures.
“Rest assured that we are already working on the next steps of our journey to good and beyond.
“It is particularly pleasing that Ofsted recognised that we as a school are aware of what needs to be done and are taking the necessary steps to improve further.” ●