Much Wenlock school celebrates 'good' rating

William Brookes School has had a positive rating from Ofsted.

In March of this year, the school was placed in special measures.

The secondary school was visited by inspectors on February 7 and 8, and it was rated "inadequate".

It was rated "good" in two categories – quality of teaching, learning and assessment and outcomes for pupils, but it was rated inadequate in the other three – effectiveness of leadership and management, personal development, behaviour and welfare and 16 to 19 study programmes.

In just a matter of months, it has turned things around to earn a "good" rating from Ofsted.

During their extensive two-day inspection of the school, the Ofsted inspectors examined the school’s processes and procedures in detail, spoke to students, staff and governors and gathered the views of parents.

Staff at the school say they are particularly pleased with the news, considering the results achieved by students in this summer's GCSE and A-level exams.

“I am thrilled that Ofsted has officially recognised William Brookes School as a Good school,” said Geoff Renwick, head of William Brookes School.

“Ofsted’s Good rating is a validation of the pride in our exceptional staff and students, their achievements and their contributions to school life.

"Our governors and staff have worked tirelessly to deliver our action plan to build an even stronger, more effective school in which every student can reach their full potential.

"We now have an excellent base from which to ultimately build towards Outstanding status.”

Catherine Connery, chair of governors at William Brookes School, said: “We are all absolutely delighted with Ofsted’s improved grading of our school as Good.

“We had always said that we did not intend to limp out of special measures, and yet to achieve Good status within just 8 months is exceptional.

"I would like to congratulate and thank our dedicated team of governors, senior leadership and school staff for their hard work and determination.”