School put into special measures

A Stroud secondary school has been put into special measures.

It follows an inspection by Ofsted at Archway school in Paganhill.

Staff have been told to improve GCSE and A-level grades, improve the quality of lessons and speed up progress, ensure that pupils are given work that matches their abilities and actively participate in lessons more and improve monitoring of student achievement and intervene quicker if satisfactory progress is not being made

Ofsted did acknowledged the good work going on at the school, including pupils’ awareness of healthy lifestyles and keeping safe, as well as transition support for children joining from primary school. Pupils benefit from strong provision for physical education, both in lessons and in extra-curricular activities, and in cultural and community awareness. The school has strong links with Bihar in India, where they are building and sponsoring a school.

Headteacher, Colin Belford, said: "Although I am proud of the progress I feel the school has made in recent years I recognise that there is much to do resulting from this disappointing inspection judgement. In 2010, we had the highest number of students ever leave the school with five or more high grade GCSE passes (62%) a figure set to rise again this year.

"I am encouraged that Ofsted’s own questionnaire showed that 97% of the parents who responded are happy overall with their child's experience at the school and that 96% said their child enjoys school and that the school keeps their child safe.

"Clearly this is something we must build on and, as such, all staff and governors are committed to working closely with parents, pupils and the wider community to continue to raise standards."

Parents and carers have been invited to attend a meeting at the school to discuss and respond to the Ofsted report and the action plan.