STAFF and students at a Droitwich school are celebrating after maintaining a Good Ofsted rating in their latest inspection.
During a two day inspection of Droitwich Spa High School and Sixth Form, inspectors found ‘a calm and orderly environment throughout’ where students ‘appreciate’ the support to help them to be successful.
They noted teachers have use strong subject knowledge ‘effectively’ and students are taught a broad range of subjects.
Sixth Form students were judged to be making strong progress, with ‘exemplary’ attitudes towards behaviour and studying.
Students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are ‘supported well’.
The inspection also found a wide-ranging number of extra-curricular activities to extend pupils’ experiences beyond the classroom and international visits to places such as Delhi and New York are arranged.
Many pupils take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award with several expeditions planned each year. The school’s house system gives students a sense of identity and inspectors added they were ‘rightly proud’ of their charity fundraising.
The Good rating alleviated previous concerns of falling standards following Covid lockdowns, 17 months ago.
The latest report said ‘new leaders have an accurate view of the school’ and have acted quickly to address areas for improvement, including attendance.
Jon Brook, Headteacher, said: “I want to be really clear that this report is of the school, not just of us as teachers and as other school staff.
“Whilst my talented team have worked really hard with intense professional commitment, it also reflects positively on our community.
“Over 1200 students, all with different talents and interests, from a very socioeconomically diverse community, have contributed to this positive outcome.”
Next steps for the school are for all teachers to ensure student understanding is secure before learning moves on, to introduce a reading strategy for weaker readers and to ensure pupil premium funding is used effectively.
Karen Moore, chair of governors, said: “‘All of the governors of our school are truly delighted with the outcome. The report is a testament to the leadership of the school and the hard work of all the staff.
“Well done to the students who showed that they make the most of the many opportunities they have both inside and outside the classroom.”
