Former failing school celebrates turnaround in latest Ofsted inspection

A FORDINGBRIDGE school is celebrating after being rated ‘outstanding’ in three categories of an Ofsted inspection report just two years after being told it needed to get better.

The Burgate School and Sixth Form was given the top rating for the effectiveness of its leadership and management, as well as personal development, and behaviour and welfare. Its sixth-form was also judged outstanding following the Ofsted visit in May.

Two years ago, it was rated as ‘requires improvement’ for its teaching and management, the quality of learning and student outcomes.

This time around, inspectors rated the school ‘good’ in these three areas.

There was also special praise for sixth form pupils, with one Ofsted inspector stating: “The influence of the students as positive and supportive role models cannot be overstated; their impact on the rest of the school is phenomenal.”

The school was rated good overall.

In their report, inspectors continued: “Leaders’ ambition and determination have brought about substantial improvement in all areas of the school since the last inspection. They have high expectations for the best teaching and learning experiences for all pupils.

“The school provides pupils with a holistic and well-rounded education, where academic success and personal development are equally valued. Relationships are very strong and pupils’ individual needs are well provided for.”

Inspectors said parents were overwhelmingly positive about the high quality of education and, particularly, the exceptional level of pastoral care that pupils receive.

One parent had written to Ofsted saying “The school as a whole cares about each and every pupil and will do its utmost to ensure every child’s needs are met.”

Headteacher David Pover said he was “delighted” by the report, which gave the school an overall good rating, and said everyone had been given the “due recognition” they deserved.

“When I consider the judgement we were given just over two years ago, the journey we have been on since then has been remarkable. In fact, looking back over reports since the early 1990s, I believe this to be the best Ofsted report that the school has ever received.”

Mr Pover said standards at the school had improved, explaining: “In 2018, the overall Progress 8 score was well above the national average and placed us third in Hampshire. Our pupils’ conduct and approach to learning are exceptional and they relish the opportunities we provide.”

Chair of trustees Jenny Hair said: “Everyone has worked tirelessly over the last two years to ensure that every child at The Burgate receives the best educational experience possible. I am really pleased that this has been acknowledged by Ofsted.”