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Ofsted praise for tuition centre

The latest Ofsted inspection report for Thompson House Tuition Centre in Lake has just been released.

Thompson House caters for children aged between 4-16 (although at the time of the inspection there were none under the age of six).

Students in Key Stages 1 and 2 are those at risk of permanent exclusion or who have been permanently excluded from their mainstream schools because of their behaviour, social and/or emotional difficulties.

Students in Key Stages 3 and 4 are at Thompson House because of medical difficulties. These students are dual registered with a mainstream school.

Highlights from report
This is a good school

  • Strong leadership by the new headteacher, ably supported by the deputy headteacher, has ensured improvement in all areas of the Centre. As a result, students achieve well in English, mathematics and science.
  • The governing body has improved because of additional training which has increased its skills, enabling its members to challenge leaders.
  • Students make good progress in English, mathematics and science. Students who are eligible for additional funding make similar progress to their classmates.
  • Students in Year 11 acquire a wide range of accreditation before they leave the Centre. These include some GCSE passes at A* to G, BTEC and entry-level qualifications.
  • Almost all students who left Year 11 at the end of 2014 found college placements or employment.
  • School staff are overwhelmingly supportive of the new leadership team and feel proud to work at the school.
  • Parents who responded to the Centre’s own recent questionnaires are pleased with the progress their children make.
  • Students enjoy their learning because of the good range of topics and subjects which meet their needs well.
  • Students’ personal development improves at this Centre because of a strong focus on supporting their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. A wide range of effective therapies ensures that the provision meets students’ individual needs well.
  • Students in Years 10 and 11 benefit from good quality vocational experiences through effective links with local businesses. These help to improve their confidence and self-esteem, and prepare them well for their futures in modern Britain.
  • Students show that they enjoy their time at the Centre through their vastly improving attendance. Students behave well. They are safe and secure at the Centre and on external visits and activities.
  • Teaching has improved because of rigorous monitoring and is almost always good or better. Marking is particularly effective and regularly helps students to improve their work.


Image: aidan_jones under CC BY 2.0