A NEW headteacher in Dursley has expressed his delight after a recent Ofsted inspection revealed his school continues to be good.
Rednock School officially received the rating following an inspection on November 21 and 22 last year carried out by a team of five inspectors.
The school - which teaches approximately 1,241 students - received good ratings in all areas, including education, behaviour, development, leadership, and sixth-form provision.
It was the first routine inspection of the secondary since 2018 and under leadership of the new headteacher, Mike Stratford who joined Rednock last year.
The report, which was published today, Wednesday, January 24, described the school as a "warm" and "welcoming" place where students create a "positive school culture".
Inspectors also praised the school where pupils learn “ambitious vocabulary and concepts” which prepares pupils well for sixth-form study.
In addition, the inspection states that "learning is rarely disrupted" and that the standard of behaviour has improved since the school changed its behaviour management strategy.
The report also states that the school has improved its response to supporting students with SEND, as pupils previously had not always received the support that was planned for them,
Inspectors also say that when bullying is reported, "it is tackled swiftly".
Furthermore, the report states that students choose to continue their studies in the school's sixth form because "their needs are well understood".
Headteacher, Mike Stratford, said: “The inspection process was certainly rigorous, but something I welcomed.
“I am thrilled that Ofsted have recognised our superb school.
“I am extremely proud of our staff and students and the journey that we are on.
“I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone for their continued support.
“When I joined the school I wanted to lead a school that the community could be proud of.
“This inspection report affirms some of the fantastic work that I have the privilege to see happening each and every day, but importantly, it also gives us the platform and impetus to continue to become the very best school we can be.”
However, to improve, Ofsted recommended that the school encourage more students to develop their talents and interests through extracurricular activities.
Ofsted also advised the school to ensure that teaching takes account of pupils' prior learning, as the curriculum "lacks demand" for some students and a "precise focus" for others.
Chair of Governors, Katie Norton added: "It is great that the inspection recognises the skills, talents and commitment of the people who make Rednock such an important part of our community.
“To be rated good across all areas is a fantastic achievement, however as a governing body we are not complacent.
“Whilst we will definitely be taking some time to celebrate, we are excited about the future and will be continuing to work to live up to our commitment to be a school where everyone matters."
You can read the full inspection here - tinyurl.com/3kx9p63d
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here