Shropshire school threatened with closure receives good Ofstead report
A Shropshire school which was today confirmed to be under the threat of closure has been judged by Ofsted to be good with outstanding features.
The Wakeman School and Arts College is currently awaiting a decision on its future which is due to be decided by Shropshire Council’s Cabinet on May 4th.
The school recently underwent an Ofsted inspection and was judged to be a good school with outstanding features. This judgement places the school on an equal footing with other schools in the town and leaves only one school in Shrewsbury judged as only satisfactory.
Karen Moore: Headteacher commented:
“We are thrilled with Ofsted’s judgement of the school. We are pleased that the hard work and high standard of education we provide is finally being recognised. The judgement shows that the Authority would be foolish to go ahead with the proposed closure. How many Authorities across the country can afford to or would even consider closing a good school? “
The Wakeman whilst undergoing the stresses and strains of threatened closure and inspections has received a tremendous amount of ongoing support from the local community. The school delivered a petition with over 8,000 signatures fighting against the proposed closure. The inspection recognised the schools’ engagement with parents and carers as outstanding. The report stated:
“Parents and carers were overwhelmingly positive and supportive of the school. Some said they could not speak highly enough of the work the school does and how pleased they are with their child at the school and how happy they are with their child’s education.”
The report also stated that in response to parent questionnaires:
“There were no concerns expressed by parents about student behaviour or bullying.”
Supporters of the school have argued strongly throughout the campaign that the schools work in the community and its place in the centre of town are a real strength which set it aside from all the other town schools. Ofsted supported this view and graded the schools ability to contribute to the wider community as outstanding. The report states:
“The school takes the lead in projects throughout the town as part of its highly effective contribution to the community.”
The report also focused on the improved quality of teaching, commenting in their letter to pupils and parents, “Teaching and Learning is good.”
Andy Rayment, Chair of Governors at the school said:
“The authorities’ proposal to go ahead with these plans in view of the recent Ofsted report is even more ludicrous. How can they justify closing a good school? How can we face telling pupils that their school that they are so passionate about remains up for closure? What answer can we give when they ask why? “
