Headteacher Jamie Anderson of Arnewood School in New Milton responds to Ofsted downgrading to ‘inadequate’

A NEW Milton secondary headteacher has come out swinging after Ofsted inspectors downgraded his school to ‘inadequate’.

Jamie Anderson of The Arnewood School – previously rated ‘good’ after its 2018 inspection – said the grading “seems misleading” when only one of the four areas assessed, behaviour and attitudes, was given such a low rating.

The other three areas – quality of education, personal development and leadership and management – were each given a ‘requires improvement’ rating. Its sixth form was given a ‘good’ grade.

In their report, Ofsted inspectors took Arnewood’s student behaviour to task but blamed it on a “minority” of pupils.

“While the majority of pupils at Arnewood are well-mannered and cooperative, a minority spoil it for others,” the report said.

“For many pupils, learning is frequently hampered by low-level disruption in lessons. Some pupils also expressed worries about bullying and discriminatory language.

“Pupils know whom to speak to in school if they need support with this, but they often choose not to and, instead, are resigned to the unkind behaviour continuing.”

The school had “rightly focused” on improving pupil behaviour and attitudes to learning, and inspectors noted that new approaches to managing behaviour had recently been introduced.

However, they added: “Not all pupils and staff clearly understand and follow these approaches yet. Consequently, the behaviour of a minority of pupils often falls short of the school’s expectations.”

The report added: “Lessons are frequently disrupted, and there are examples of antisocial behaviour outside of lessons.”

Mr Anderson said one-word judgements from Ofsted were “not helpful”.

“In a two-day visit it is difficult to fully assess a large school that is going through a significant period of change. It seems misleading to judge us ‘inadequate’ when just one of four areas assessed was found as such.

“However, we acknowledge that ‘behaviour and attitudes’ is an area that requires improvement and that a minority of our students can be disruptive.

“The inspectors noted that we have introduced new expectations for our pupils of their behaviour and that these are not yet fully established.

“We will stop at nothing to ensure behaviour improves and it is something that is well under way, which the report notes.”

Inspectors said the school’s focus on improving attendance has had “some positive impacts”, but too many pupils were not attending school regularly, which was “having a significant negative impact” on their learning.

But the report also highlighted Arnewood’s personal development programme as having “many strengths”.

“Pupils have a secure understanding of how to keep themselves healthy and safe, including when online,” inspectors said. “They discuss sensitive topics confidently, such as the importance of consent in healthy relationships.”

They also praised Arnewood’s sixth form: “Study programmes are well planned to build on students’ individual starting points and aspirations. The extended project qualification is particularly impressive.

“Students benefit from the expert subject knowledge of staff and receive very personalised support. As a result, students develop very positive attitudes to their learning and attend regularly.”

Mr Anderson said he received positive feedback from parents who attended an open forum after the inspection, and they had “a better understanding of the school”.

“I have made certain structural changes to Arnewood and the curriculum, and these will lead to improved exam results, which is something the inspectors wanted to see,” he added.

“The report noted many positive things including our sixth form and the wide range of extra-curricular activities, clubs and trips.

“I have a dedicated team of staff and we are all focused on making Arnewood a stand-out school for all our pupils.

“The report noted our ‘ambitious’ vision which was good to see and reflects what we want to achieve.”

Mr Anderson has been head teacher since January 2023, taking over from Nigel Pressnell who, after seven years in the role, moved on to be chief executive officer of the Gryphon Multi-Academy Trust which oversees Arnewood and Eaglewood School.