Ofsted Inspection Report 2016

The report for Longhill’s recent Ofsted inspection has now been received and, as identified in the school’s own self-evaluation, the overall judgement has remained that the school “Requires Improvement”.

The report, however, is clear about the improvements the school has made since its last inspection and identifies many significant strengths. These include:

• there is much expertise within the teaching staff which generates enthusiasm for learning in many pupils

• almost all pupils proceed into further education, employment or training – a higher proportion than seen nationally

• pupils feel safe and secure within the school, are respectful of others, helpful towards visitors and have positive and respectful relationships with teachers

• the work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is good and the quality of care for pupils is strong, whatever their learning or personal needs

• strong assessment procedures mean that students feel confident that they know what to do to improve their work

• some departments have developed very effective ways to prepare pupils for tests and GCSE examinations

Improving outcomes

The Ofsted report also confirmed the areas where further improvements remain to be made.

• We need to ensure that the improvements in teaching and outcomes that have been achieved across many subjects are realised across all subjects. This is particularly the case with regards to our focus on closing the gap between outcomes for disadvantaged pupils and other pupils, within the school and nationally, which is closing but is still too wide. Our continuing focus on developing all students’ literacy skills was seen as an important aspect of these two aims.

• We also need to ensure that our school behaviour policy is applied consistently at all times.

The report was positive about the work of our Acting Head, who is ‘steering the school forward very well and concentrating on the key areas that need improvement’ and it confirmed that the school is being supported by governors who are described in the report as ‘determined to improve outcomes’.

The areas Ofsted have identified for improvement provide a clear focus for the future. It has been confirmed that the school is moving in the right direction and that our new Headteacher, Kate Williams, will have very solid foundations for driving forward further improvements when she joins the school later this summer.

Everyone in the Senior Leadership Team, as well as the whole-school staff and Governing Board, appreciates the continued support of parents and the community. We are united in our determination to make Longhill a great school for all our present and future students.

The full report can be accessed here OFSTED FULL REPORT 2016

Parent View

You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child’s school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection. You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk, or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted.

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