OFSTED Report
Conisborough College had a full Ofsted Inspection on 15-16 May 2018. Overall, Ofsted have rated the school as ‘Requires Improvement’. We are now working rigorously to ensure that when we are re-inspected, within two years, we are judged at least ‘Good’.
More recently, in May 2019, we welcomed Sarah Parker HMI from Ofsted, where she carried out a Section 8 Monitoring Inspection of the school. The inspector recognised the progress and hard work going into improving the school.
Ofsted Section 8 Monitoring Inspection
May 2019
The inspector spoke to student, staff, visited lessons, met with governors and spent a lot of time looking at student’s work and books as well as meeting with other professional colleagues who work with and support the school. She recognised where new appointments and opportunities at the school have been made and introduced in order to strengthen teams and increase the ability for us to improve. Ms Parker also commented on the various actions which the school has taken to improve the results in a short time after a very disappointing set of exam results last summer in 2018.
In her main findings, Sarah Parker commented on an improved culture of ‘high aspiration’ and on the changes we have put in pace to hopefully improve results and give more lesson time to subjects. She also reports that we are taking action ‘to ensure that teaching is routinely good.’ and that ‘some teachers demonstrated strong subject knowledge and planned activities to meet their pupils’ learning needs. Their effective use of questioning deepened pupils’ knowledge and understanding. Pupils were focused and participated readily. Where feedback to pupils is in line with school policy, pupils have regular opportunities to improve their work.’
In the report she commented on the changes in student’s behaviours and that the ‘approaches to improve behaviour are effective. A new behaviour management system is in place. Staff, pupils, parents and carers are clear about the required conduct of pupils. A reward and recognition culture is being successfully established and is valued by pupils. The introduction of the ‘line-up’ for morning and afternoon sessions has led to a more calm and orderly start.’
However, we are aware of what we still need to improve upon and we have some way to go yet. We need to make sure that we are:
- Consistently showing best practice in the quality of teaching across the whole school. We do need to make sure that all students across all subjects achieve at least the progress and outcomes of which they are capable.
- Ensuring that behaviours in the school continuing to improve and that all aspects of behaviour are dealt with consistently well by staff.
- Developing students’ literacy skills and enabling more opportunities for extended writing
- Making sure that all our policies and practices are ‘fit for purpose’ through review and changes where necessary so that they have the intended impact.
We are pleased with the recognition of the hard work and direction that the school is going in over a short time. We still have hard work ahead. With your support and consistency from students and staff alike and under the leadership of our Governing Body, I am sure we will become that ‘Good’ school which the community deserves and should have. We enjoy support from the local authority and we work closely with school improvement partners. This really is a full team effort and hard work, but it is worth it for the benefit of all our young people.
Mrs J. Hadlow – Headteacher
Parent View
Parent View allows parents and carers to give their views about their child’s school at any time of the school year. The questionnaire is also the main mechanism for parents to give their views to inspectors about their child’s school at the time of a school inspection.
Ofsted Inspectors will review the evidence from Parent View throughout an inspection to ensure that all online responses received during an inspection are taken into account. If the response rate for Parent View is low, inspectors may take steps during the inspection to gather further evidence of parents’ views.
