HIGH praise continues to be received by staff and students at Poole’s biggest school following Ofsted’s first inspection in almost six years.
Poole High School has maintained its good record following a recent visit by the education inspectorate, in which it was found pupils “are motivated to learn the ambitious curriculum which leaders have planned”.
The latest Ofsted inspection was ungraded, which is done when a school has previously been rated ‘Good’ and inspectors then visit once every four years or so to confirm the school remains good.
If inspectors had found any major causes for concern, a full graded inspection would be ordered. However, for Poole High School, this is not necessary.
The report states: “Pupils receive effective careers information, advice and guidance. This develops pupils’ motivation and aspirations for the future.
“Staff provide an extensive extra-curricular programme. For example, pupils can learn about journalism and robotics, improve their rock-climbing skills or play in a jazz band. Pupils and parents appreciate the wide range of opportunities available.”
Room for improvement was identified by Ofsted in curriculum for pupils in the early stages of reading and school governors not always providing “robust enough challenge to leaders”.
Currently 1,895 students are enrolled at Poole High School, of whom 280 attend the sixth form.
Poole High headteacher Paul Gray said: “We were delighted that during the ungraded inspection we also received the official Ofsted Data release which placed Poole High School among the top 12 per cent of schools nationally this summer.
“I am delighted for our staff and governors who have worked tirelessly since the last inspection – using the best evidence-informed research to transform our curriculum and teaching. It was gratifying to see that the inspectors recognised that this applied to children across the ability range.
“The report identifies two action points. One relates to a matter we were already working towards in our reading programme. The other relates to leadership challenge.
“On the last point, I am happy to give you my assurance that so many of the positive issues that the report recognises has only been possible with the balance of challenge and support from our governing body.
“That being said, we look forward to fully embracing the explicit and implicit messages within the report and refining our priorities as we brace ourselves for 2023.”
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