London,
27
November
2014
|
12:05
Europe/London

Ofsted hails improvements at Acland Burghley

Senior staff and governors at Acland Burghley School ‘are taking effective action’ to improve the school and students’ behaviour has been ‘transformed’, according to Ofsted.

A follow-up visit by inspectors to Acland Burghley has also noted significant improvements in the school environment, students’ work books and pride in their classwork.

Ofsted inspector Mark Phillips, who visited the school with a colleague on 4 November following a previous inspection in which the school was told it ‘requires improvement’, said: “All these improvements have helped to turn Acland Burghley back in the right direction.

“There is much greater confidence present in the school. One Year 9 student told me: ‘I am so much happier at school now. I like having the rules, and I like it that teachers expect more of me’. Conversations with individual members of staff gave similarly positive messages. I am pleased to confirm that senior leaders and governors are now taking effective action.”

Camden Council is also praised by Ofsted for providing “good challenge and support” to the school in its drive to raise standards.

Cllr Angela Mason CBE, Cabinet Member for Children
“Congratulations to everyone at Acland Burghley, whose hard work to raise standards is recognised in this very positive follow-up inspection.”
Cllr Angela Mason CBE, Cabinet Member for Children
 “This was a ‘no notice’ inspection so Ofsted had an authentic experience of our school and happily found that students’ behaviour in classes and around school has been transformed.
 
“The two inspectors were very impressed by our students and we were proud of their impeccable behaviour, maturity, articulacy and visible pride in their work. The students gave positive feedback about the higher expectations of behaviour and achievement at the school and about feeling happy and safe here.
 
“It is very pleasing that the inspectors recognised the extremely positive relationships in classrooms – between teachers and students and between students. The report commends the efforts of our staff to make improvements and inspectors were aware of a high degree of professionalism across the school.
 
“We are in complete agreement with their analysis of where we still need to improve.  We have already identified strengthening the achievement of more able pupils by developing literacy and extended writing. Teachers are also planning for more engagement, stretch and challenge in all lessons as priorities in our School Improvement Plan for this academic year.
 
“We are delighted that the report describes the school as back on track and heading in the right direction. There is much greater confidence and pride about the school. Parents and families have been a constant source of confidence and support to us and, on behalf of all our staff and governors, I would like to thank them. We look forward to continuing improvements at Acland Burghley School."
 
Susan Higgins, Acland Burghley’s Executive Headteacher
"We are delighted with this positive progress report from Ofsted. The Governors would like to thank staff and students for their recent efforts. They and the school recognise the need to maintain the pace of improvement."
Alan Chesters, the school’s new Chair of Governors

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