Dudley secondary school told to improve

Castle High School and Visual Arts College in St James's Road was given an overall rating of 'requires improvement' following an inspection last month.

Ofsted said that too few pupils made the progress expected of them last year, especially in maths and science, while the number of pupils achieving five or more GCSE A* to C grades, including in English and maths, was 'too low'.

In his report lead inspector Rob Hackfath said that a small number of pupils 'make poor choices regarding their conduct' in lessons.

"This remains a concern of some staff, parents and pupils," he added. "Inspectors observed inattention, chatting and some disruption to learning in a few lessons, usually because the work set was not engaging or did not have sufficient challenge.

"Leaders have an effective behaviour management system in place, but this is not applied consistently by all teachers."

The report noted that the 'vast majority' of pupils were punctual when moving between classes, 'but some lateness to lessons was observed, resulting in later starts and reduced learning time for pupils'.

Headteacher Michelle King said: "Whilst inspectors have said that the behaviour of students requires improvement, this is in the context of more stringent criteria by which student behaviour is measured.

"Inspectors praised the behaviour and attitude of the vast majority of students, noting particularly that it is a 'small number of pupils' who make 'poor choices regarding their conduct'.

"The school works hard – and will continue to work hard – with the parents and carers of these few students to change their behaviour.

"If they continue to let us down, they are aware that school will be resolute in its determination to prevent them from further disrupting the learning of others."

The headteacher added that the school was 'doubly determined' to make sure that examination results improved this year.

The report also pointed out a number of strengths at the 607-pupil school.

The school was said to be 'well led and managed' by a headteacher and other leaders who have 'high expectations and aspirations' for pupils and staff.

Recent appointments have strengthened leadership, giving the school greater capacity for further and more rapid improvement, it added.

Inspectors noted that standards at the school were rising overall, with increasing numbers of pupils making the progress expected.

The 'very few' incidents of bullying that occur are dealt with 'swiftly and effectively', the report said.

It concluded that leaders were having a positive impact on improving teaching, while pupils were said to be 'properly safeguarded'.