Parents and staff give school their support

Parents and staff at Beechen Cliff School have rallied around in support after a damning inspection report rated the prestigious comprehensive school as inadequate. The head teacher and governors sent letters to parents on Tuesday, the day Ofsted published its report, explaining the situation and setting out action to deal with the situation. But in a more unusual move, a third letter was sent signed by more than 80 members of staff backing the school. It read: “We are proud to be members of staff at this school. It has an exceptional record of academic and extra-curricular achievement. “Our provision of opportunities for every student to apply their many and various talents, to develop new skills and stretch and challenge their capabilities and enjoy themselves all the while, helps produce balanced, generous and confident young people. “Our top priority is the safety and happiness of your children. “You can be assured that you have our full commitment as we work to return to a positive judgement as quickly as possible.” Following the publication of the report, a group of parents

then wrote an open letter to potentially worried parents of children expecting to join the school in September. The letter was organised by parent Kate Groves and signed by 36 other parents whose children are just finishing their first year at the school. It states: “It’s hard to believe that almost a year ago, our nervous 11-year-old boys with smart haircuts, polished shoes and oversized uniform pitched up at the gates of Beechen to begin their journey to GCSES and manhood. “And of course, as they left the front gate, there were just as many nervous parents, questioning whether they had made the right decision, would their son be okay, and a never-ending list of potential worst-case scenarios. “Ten months on, we are delighted to let you know that our boys are settled, have made new friends, and adapted to the rigour of homework every night. “We can’t speak for everyone but our experiences have been positive. “There are good communication channels open to parents, queries and concerns regarding subject areas or pastoral concerns are addressed quickly and teachers will always have a conversation.

Our day-to-day experience of Beechen over the last year is not synonymous with many of the concerns highlighted in the recent Ofsted report. “We acknowledge the recommendations regarding safeguarding process however, we have HAPPY boys, who have embraced the transition from primary to secondary school and do feel safe at school (and yes, they know to step aside to allow a Year 11 to pass but ever was thus!). “Our sons have made good progress this year, have revelled in the wealth of sports and extracurricular activities and developed in confidence and selfesteem. “We believe that the personal commitment of Mr Davies and his team should be recognised. Whilst they may not have got everything right, they give hours above and beyond school teaching time to provide a plethora of sporting and special interest clubs, as well as accompanying the boys on a variety of excursions. And, when needed, look after our boys’ welfare and personal needs. “Beechen Cliff School and its teaching staff has our full support.”