“We’ll put this right”: Welshpool High School responds to disappointing report
Following an inspection in May, the school has been told to shape up in five areas and will be monitored every four-to-six months to ensure improvements are made.
The school has said that it is already dealing with several of the recommendations made in the report with its Chair of Governors vowing to “work tirelessly” to ensure long-lasting improvements are made.
The five recommendations made to the school are:
· Strengthen leadership to ensure that roles and responsibilities are equitable and clear and ensure that leaders at all levels evaluate their work accurately and robustly, and secure the improvements required
· Improve the quality of teaching to ensure appropriate challenge for all pupils
· Improve cross-curricular planning to develop pupils’ literacy and numeracy skills progressively
· Improve attendance, in particular that of pupils eligible for free school meals
· Increase the opportunities that pupils have to use Welsh outside of Welsh lessons
The inspector said: “In accordance with the Education Act 2005, HMCI is of the opinion that special measures are required in relation to this school. The school will draw up an action plan to show how it is going to address the recommendations. Estyn will monitor the school’s progress usually every four to six months.”
In response, Powys County Council said that a team of senior education officers are already working with Welshpool High School “following a disappointing Estyn inspection”.
They said that council officers, the school and its governing body will work together to identify reasons for the inspection outcome and to deliver the improvements that are required. They added that staff, pupils and parents will be "fully supported during the improvement journey".
Cllr Pete Roberts, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “Today, I share the disappointment that everyone associated with Welshpool High School is experiencing.
“This Estyn inspection report provides a clear and honest assessment of the challenges the school is facing and offers vital guidance on the steps needed to bring about meaningful improvement.
“We are committed to working closely with the school’s senior leadership team to address these challenges. Together, we will focus on the recommendations outlined by Estyn, building on the school’s existing strengths while tackling the areas that require urgent attention.
“This marks the beginning of a determined improvement journey for the school and its community.”
The school has responded this morning through Jeff Johnson, Chair of Governors:
“Whilst being disappointed by some of the content of the Estyn report, we recognise this as an opportunity to continue our journey down a road of improvement.
The school embraces the recommendations from the inspection team and will work tirelessly alongside the Local Authority and Estyn to make rapid and sustained improvements. Indeed, many of the recommendations are already being addressed.
We are delighted that Estyn inspectors were able to see the positives around safeguarding and behaviour in our school. We place great value on how our learners conduct themselves in a polite and appropriate manner day in, day out.
The recognition of the work that takes place around student leadership, developing cultural awareness, transition, curriculum and the extracurricular offer is also very pleasing.
The inspection team also acknowledged the strong progress that has taken place regarding the significant reduction in the school’s financial deficit over the last five years.
Together with Powys County Council, we are already working on a detailed improvement plan to ensure that the progress we have already made continues over the next 12 months.
We remain grateful for the support of our local community, and we look forward to celebrating another set of positive examination results later in the summer.”
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