Inspectors recognise impact of “decisive action” at Shropshire school

“Decisive action” has been taken to raise standards at a Shropshire secondary school after a critical report earlier this year, and “the impact is already showing”, Ofsted inspectors have said.

The first monitoring inspection has been carried out at Sir John Talbot’s Technology College in Whitchurch since it was given a rating of inadequate and made subject to special measures by inspectors who visited in January 2013.

The monitoring report recognises that work to push forward improvements started before the school’s January inspection, with Shropshire Council already installing an Interim Executive Board.

In a letter to the interim headteacher, Sarah Longville, Her Majesty’s Inspector (HMI), Linda McGill, reported that this progress was now continuing: “You and your deputy headteacher have brought a much-needed sense of direction, purpose and urgency to the school’s work.  You have drawn up a plan for improvement and have already taken decisive action.  The impact is already showing; students say they can see a difference, especially in the ways that behaviour is managed and good behaviour rewarded.”

The report adds that: “The Interim Executive Board is working closely with you and the local authority.  It is clear that all parties know exactly what is expected of them, and how they will be held accountable.”

Other areas where inspectors noted that good progress was being made included work on assessment and the school’s budgeting.

They added that further work was now needed, including building on work to raise the quality of teaching and ensure improvements made under the leadership of the interim headteacher continue in the long term.

Kate Campion, chair of the Interim Executive Board, said:

“Inspectors have recognised that immediate steps have been taken and everyone is working closely together to make the necessary improvements.

“There is still work to do, but we are all determined to remove the school from special measures and make sure the pupils have the best opportunities possible to excel.”

Sarah Longville, interim headteacher, said:

“The staff and students at Sir John Talbot’s are determined to drive the school forward, and this dedication has been recognised by the HMI team during their recent inspection.

“Our committed learning community has renewed vigour and will continue taking the necessary, progressive steps, to ensure Sir John Talbot’s is the school of choice in Whitchurch.”