West Craven High School, located on Kelbrook Road, has been issued a report highlighting areas of improvement, following a recent inspection. The report, published earlier this month, has identified several key areas where the school needs to improve, despite acknowledging some positive aspects.
Pupils at the school have a strong appetite for learning, but unfortunately, they do not achieve as highly as they should. Inspectors attributed this to the curriculum not being delivered effectively, resulting in pupils not grasping key concepts and struggling to learn successfully. This is particularly concerning for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), who often do not learn successfully due to a lack of effective support and resources.
The report also highlighted weaknesses in the delivery of the curriculum, particularly in some subjects where staff do not know whether pupils have grasped key concepts in order to help pupils to learn successfully. This lack of understanding can lead to pupils not achieving their full potential and can also impact on their confidence and motivation.
In addition, the report noted that some pupils do not engage positively with their learning, and that there are still some instances of bullying, including homophobic and racist comments from peers. Pupils reported that they do not always feel confident about reporting derogatory language, which is a concern for the school. The school has increased its expectations of how pupils should behave, but there is still more work to be done to ensure that all pupils feel safe and supported in their learning environment.
However, the report also highlighted some positive aspects of the school. Pupils have opportunities to participate in clubs and take on roles of responsibility, which can help them develop their skills and interests. The school also provides a range of competitions and events, which can help pupils develop their confidence and teamwork skills. The report praised the school’s leadership and staffing, noting that they have improved since the last inspection.
The school has also taken steps to support pupils who do not attend school regularly, including those with SEND and those who are disadvantaged. Many of these pupils have improved their rates of attendance as a result of the school’s actions. The report also highlighted the school’s focus on reading, with many opportunities for pupils to read regularly. However, the report noted that support for pupils who struggle to read accurately is not as effective as it should be.
The school’s headmaster, John Bates, acknowledged the areas for improvement and emphasized the school’s commitment to developing and improving. He stated, “While we are pleased that the inspection team recognized these improvements, we acknowledge that there are still areas that we continue to develop and improve. These include continuing to develop consistency in the way our curriculum is delivered and assessed and continuing our relentless focus on our improvement priorities.”
Bates also emphasized the school’s aim of being the best school for the young people in the community, stating, “I am looking forward to working with our students and their families, as we build on the positives from this report and the improvements we have made, to pursue our aim of being the best school for the young people in this community.”
The report also highlighted the importance of career guidance and the school’s efforts to provide pupils with advice and support on their future plans. Pupils receive guidance on their next steps after leaving school and have opportunities to meet with local employers and visit colleges. The report noted that this support is valuable and has helped pupils to make informed decisions about their future.
The school’s governors and trustees have also been praised for their role in ensuring the well-being of staff and prioritizing workload. The report noted that the school has taken steps to reduce workload and improve staff morale, which has had a positive impact on the school’s overall performance.
In conclusion, the report provides a comprehensive overview of the school’s strengths and weaknesses, highlighting areas for improvement and providing recommendations for the school to continue its development and improvement. The school’s commitment to improving and its focus on being the best school for the young people in the community are commendable, and with continued effort and dedication, the school can achieve its goals and provide a high-quality education for its pupils.
The report’s findings and recommendations will be used to inform the school’s improvement plan, which will be implemented over the next few months. The school will work closely with its governors, staff, and pupils to address the areas for improvement and build on the positives identified in the report.
The school’s headmaster, John Bates, emphasized the importance of working together to improve the school, stating, “We are committed to working with our students, parents, and staff to make the necessary improvements to ensure that we provide the best possible education for our pupils. We are confident that with the support of our community, we can achieve our goals and become the best school for the young people in this community.”
Overall, the report provides a comprehensive overview of the school’s strengths and weaknesses, highlighting areas for improvement and providing recommendations for the school to continue its development and improvement. The school’s commitment to improving and its focus on being the best school for the young people in the community are commendable, and with continued effort and dedication, the school can achieve its goals and provide a high-quality education for its pupils.