Delight at ‘good’ rating’ for Weston Point College

A SPECIALIST independent school in Runcorn for pupils who have not settled into mainstream education has been graded ‘good’ across the board by the watchdog.

Staff and directors at Weston Point College were reported to be ‘delighted’ with the rating, which followed short-notice inspection.

It has capacity for up to 30 students from ages 11 to 18 and specialises in teaching young people who have behavioural, emotional and social difficulties.

The 15 on roll at the time of the inspection came from five separate local authority areas.

Ofsted heaped praise on the college, saying it aims to give the most vulnerable and challenging students the chance to learn.

Brian Blake, inspector, highlighted school leaders’ ‘success’ in engaging pupils in learning, promoting their emotional stability and academic outcomes and making sure they move onto ‘positive destinations’.

He added that staff work well as a ‘strong team’ under the headteacher’s ‘inspirational’ leadership.

Pupils feel safe, and despite most of them starting school feeling disenchanted with education, the inspector said they make ‘significant improvements in their attendance, behaviour and personal development’ at Weston Point College. Mr Blake said strong staff-student relationships founded on trust, respect and care ‘underpin the success of the school’.

Ofsted provided pointers on how Weston Point College could improve further including developing links with other education establishments and developing a progress-tracking system.

School bosses have welcomed the report.

Tim Whittle, headteacher, said: “The report highlights the wonderful work that goes on at Weston Point College.

“It is a tribute to both students and staff.

“We look forward to continuing with our mission, to improve the life chances of challenging and vulnerable young people.”

Mike Searle, one of the school’s directors, said: “It is exceptional for an independent special school to achieve, and maintain, a ‘good’ Ofsted rating throughout its operational lifetime.

“Our school was set up nine years ago to return young people into education, after exclusion from schools in the area.

“We are extremely proud to have achieved this aim, with all our Year 11 students already enrolled in the next phase of their education.”