CULCHETH High School’s new head teacher David Terry is “delighted” with the school’s “Good” OFSTED inspection.
The school hosted a visit from a team of five OFSTED Inspectors earlier this month and the inspection, which was carried out over two days, involved a rigorous scrutiny of the school’s quality of provision.
Mr Terry said: “ I am delighted to report that Culcheth High School has been judged to be a good school in all areas”
It has been rated as good in Overall Effectiveness, Achievement, Quality of Teaching, Behaviour and Safety of Students and Leadership and Management.
He said it was worth noting that OFSTED have significantly raised their expectations and requirements on all schools nationally to demonstrate higher standards than in previous years’ inspections.
“I have no doubt that the commitment, dedication and sheer hard work of staff, students, parents, governors and wider community partners have culminated in a very positive report, an endorsement of the school over time that I think we can all be very proud of.
“The OFSTED team have given very clear areas for Culcheth High School to improve upon to achieve an outstanding judgement in time.
It is my very strong belief that the Culcheth community deserve to have an outstanding school at the heart of our locality. At Culcheth High School we do not intend to rest on our laurels but rather to engage and work towards a vision of outstanding school status. “
Highlights of the report stated that ‘Culcheth High is a good school – it provides a good education for students.’
‘Students develop good knowledge, skills and understanding well in most subjects, including English and mathematics.’
‘Students consistently achieve results that are well above those of students nationally. In 2013, the proportion of students gaining at least five GCSE passes at grade C or above, including in English and mathematics, and their attainment in English and in mathematics, increased even further.’
‘The proportion of students attaining A* to C passes at GCSE in a wide range of subjects is significantly higher than found nationally.’
‘Students make good progress from their starting points and attain high standards in GCSE examinations.’
‘Achievement is good as a result of effective teaching over time.’
‘Students with special educational needs achieve well as a result of the well-planned provision and effective support they receive.’
‘Students work hard and behave well. They are respectful to teachers and other adults.’ ‘Students support the learning of all by working together well. They are friendly and pleasant in their social time.’
‘Students are open and courteous towards visitors. They are pleased to talk about their school. They look after the buildings and site well.’
‘The curriculum meets students’ needs. It is enhanced by an extensive programme of activities, after school and visits during and out of school time.’
‘The development of spiritual, moral, social and cultural aspects of students’ learning is effective. The school has an active link with a partner school in Soweto. This involves teachers and students in exchange visits. Large amounts of money are raised for charity. This work is often led by sixth form students.’
‘Spiritual, moral, social and cultural aspects of students’ learning are well developed. Many students are actively involved in working for charities.’
‘Governance is effective. Governors know the school well and challenge and support senior leaders.’
Picture shows the School Leadership Team, including new head teacher David Terry and students celebrating the good Ofsted rating
