The Grange school praised for making progress
A Shrewsbury secondary school which was put into special measures last year has received a glowing Ofsted report which praised the progress it has made over the last few months.
The Grange, which is in Harlescott, has seen improvements across almost all areas since Ofsted’s last visit, according to the report.
The report commended the pupils’ achievement and behaviour, the quality of teaching and leadership in particular, at the Grange which is gaining academy status on April 1.
Principal Geoff Pettengell, who oversees the North Shrewsbury Federation, which comprises the Grange and neighbouring Sundorne School, said the report will provide welcome news for both staff and pupils.
He added: “The school has come a long way in a comparatively short space of time and a huge amount of credit should go to the staff and pupils for the way they have responded to the changes which have been made here.
“Given the positive response from this Ofsted inspection I am confident the school will be taken out of special measures by the summer.
“There is a definite buzz around the Grange at the moment and I am delighted that the new head of school, Rob Hatch, has settled in so well since he joined us in January.
“I think everyone is looking forward to the school becoming an academy sponsored by Sundorne, and this Ofsted report will only improve the positive atmosphere.”
Mr Hatch said the Ofsted report was “great news for the Grange”.
He added: “I know the school was on an upward curve for some time before my arrival here, and I am confident that the trend will continue.
“We have introduced new systems which have been well received by the staff and I think we are already seeing the benefits of some of the changes.
“Hopefully the Ofsted reports will get better and better as time goes on.”
