Peele Community College in Long Sutton has been rated ‘inadequate’ in six out of six categories in a recent Ofsted inspection – but has set out a statement of intent to improve.
The school released a statement saying it is “disappointed” by its recent ‘inadequate’ Ofsted rating but is “confident the school can build on its strengths” to move out of that category.
The secondary school has been rated inadequate in overall effectiveness, effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare, outcomes for pupils, and overall effectiveness at previous inspection.
The report, published yesterday (Wednesday, March 27), detailed that “leadership and management are inadequate” and “senior leaders do not have the capacity to improve the school”.
Headteacher Jane Moody said in response: “While we are disappointed by the findings of the inspection, we are confident we have a strong basis on which to improve quickly.”
The report also stated that “pupils underachieve significantly”. Adding: “They make much less progress than others do nationally across too many of the subjects they study, including English and mathematics.”
The report stated that “pupils have experienced a legacy of poor teaching”, detailing “gaps in knowledge, understanding and skills that have not been adequately addressed”. It added: “Some pupils, particularly in key stage 4, have limited confidence or self-belief that they can achieve.”
In addition, “teachers’ expectations of what some pupils can achieve are far too low.” This was especially poor among disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), who also “attend poorly and are too often excluded from school.”
Attendance is “well below national average and is not improving” and pupils’ attitude to learning is rated poor. “The whole-school behaviour policy is ineffective” and “when teaching is particularly weak, pupils’ behaviour can be highly disruptive.”
In addition, teachers are not providing the correct feedback to pupils, the report states.
The report hints at a potential turnaround, but said the road to it has been disruptive. “Following a period of turbulence and extreme staffing difficulty, the headteacher has now ensured a stable and skilled staff. However, this process took too much energy and time away from the school’s overall improvement.”
Headteacher Jane Moody: “With the support of my team and the governing body behind us and a clear action plan in place to support improvements, I can reassure parents that the interests of the children remain our top priority.”
