Turnaround at school follows Ofsted report
RATING ‘GOOD’ AFTER EFFORT FROM STAFF TO IMPROVE
A SCHOOL has transformed its “disappointing” Ofsted rating, scoring “good” in all areas.
Stokesley School has commended its senior leadership team for implementing a number of changes to improve the school’s previous rating.
In 2018, the secondary school was told by Ofsted inspectors it “required improvement” and found the quality of teaching was not consistently good.
Inspectors also found the levels of persistent absences and progress of pupils was inadequate.
Now, Stokesley School has been praised for its “excellent” pastoral care, fundraising events and extra-curricular opportunities. The report described how leaders have been “up-skilled” in improving the school’s weaknesses.
Headteacher Hannah Millett said: “I could not be more delighted with the outcome of our inspection.
“We knew we had improved significantly, but it is great to have this confirmed by the Ofsted team who left no stone unturned in our school.
“To have achieved this rapid improvement alongside the pandemic is testament to the hard work, commitment and talents of all of our staff and governors.”
The report said “high expectations” from students and staff is the norm at
IN ALL AREAS
Stokesley School but said some aspects of teaching need improvement.
Inspectors noticed some teachers do not “consistently emphasise” knowledge pupils need to remember and assessment information is not used to its full extent.
However, the school’s facilities for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities was described as “strong” and the behaviour of pupils rarely interrupts learning. The majority of sixth-form students at Stokesley School are said to go on to Russell Group universities.
Richard Crane, CEO of the Arete Learning Trust, added: “We are delighted with the outcome of the recent inspection at Stokesley school. It is a reflection of a great team effort from staff and students and is well deserved.
“I know that the school will work with the support of the Trust to build on this positive outcome to continue to improve the learning experience for all Stokesley students moving forwards.”
To have achieved this is testament to the hard work, commitment and talents of all our staff and governors.
Hannah Millett