Applemore College celebrates ‘good’ Ofsted ratings

TEACHERS and pupils are celebrating after Applemore College was rated ‘good’ across the board in its latest Ofsted inspection.

Inspectors said educators at the college in Roman Road have “high expectations” of pupils’ behaviour and commitment and noted that students there feel “happy and safe”.

Following a two-day inspection in October, inspectors rated the college ‘good’ in four assessment categories in terms of education quality, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and the college’s leadership and management.

Inspectors wrote: “Pupils thoughtfully reflect on equality and diversity as well as issues such as animal welfare and climate change. They can recall lessons about relationships and consent. Pupils are active and respectful citizens who have a wide range of leadership opportunities.

“This includes prefects, ambassadors, librarians and sports leaders. Disadvantaged pupils, and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are encouraged to aim high. They are well supported through an extensive extracurricular offer as well as a comprehensive careers programme.”

A previous inspection of the school conducted in July 2022 found the college required improvement.

Noting improvements at the college, Ofsted inspectors found in their later report: “Staff and pupils clearly understand the school’s new behaviour policy. This has led to calmer classroom environments with minimal confrontation. Suspensions have significantly decreased, although the school recognises the need to analyse patterns of misbehaviour and suspensions further.”

Applemore’s headteacher Clare Williams, who joined the school in September 2023, expressed her “immense pride” in the latest Ofsted report.

She said: “We are thrilled with the ‘good’ rating across all four categories which reflects the passion and dedication of our staff, students and the entire Applemore community.

“This is a report we should all be proud of, a report which recognises the supportive and compassionate relationships between staff and pupils, actively embedded values and sense of purpose which permeates the school.”

She continued: “The report also goes on to reflect that teachers’ strong subject knowledge is a key strength, that pupils are active and respectful citizens who have a wide range of leadership opportunities and are fully prepared for life in modern Britain.

“Applemore is working really hard to ensure that there is an atmosphere of respect, kindness and inclusivity.

“I am focused on embedding a culture of positivity… and the impact of this permeates through all that we do.”