Ofsted praises 'unwavering commitment' to improvement at Higham Ferrers school

Staff and students at The Ferrers School are celebrating their latest Ofsted monitoring inspection.

Following the remote Section 8 monitoring inspection, Chris Stevens, Her Majesty’s Inspector, applauded the progress made at the school and praised leaders for their ‘unwavering commitment to school improvement, despite the demands of the current lockdown.’

Inspectors celebrated the school’s remote learning provision in their report, stating ‘leaders and those responsible for governance are taking effective action to provide education in the current circumstances’ and ‘have anticipated the needs of pupils and staff’.

The monitoring inspection letter for the school, which is part of the Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust (CMAT), says: "Leaders and staff are strengthening the reputation of the school in the local area.

"Most parents hold positive views about the school and the large majority would recommend it.

"One parent, typical of many, said: ‘The school has really embraced online learning and have tried to provide the best education possible in what are very difficult times for everyone.’"

Staff morale at the school was commended with inspectors reporting staff ‘are proud to work at the school.’

The school’s new co-ordinator for SEND received particular praise for being ‘instrumental in rebuilding trust with parents’ and developing ‘effective strategies to support pupils with SEND.’

Following changes to government guidance and lockdown restrictions, the latest monitoring inspection was carried out remotely, with inspectors holding virtual meetings with members of SLT, curriculum leaders, the SENCo, pupils, members of the governing body and the trust.

Inspectors also reviewed several recorded lessons, a sample of pupils’ work and responses of staff and parents to Ofsted’s online survey, Parent View.

Angela Smith, principal of The Ferrers School, said: “We are delighted at the findings of Ofsted’s remote inspection.

"To have received such a positive report despite the challenges of Covid-19 is testament to the rapid transformation that has taken place at the school over the last few years.

“At the Ferrers School, we are committed to providing a high quality educational experience and put learning and individual achievement at the centre of everything we do.

"It has been a significant challenge to uphold these high standards while pupils were learning remotely, but I am so proud to see inspectors recognising the achievement of our provision in the report.

“The findings of this report have made me even more confident that we will receive a positive grading at our next full inspection.

"Our staff, pupils and parents are at the centre of this success and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their continued support.”

To read the latest monitoring inspection letter from Ofsted, click here.

According to the Ofsted website, the school is currently rated as inadequate.

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