An Island headteacher is ‘delighted’ after The Bay Church of England School was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.
In their first inspection as an all-through school, catering for pupils aged four to 16, The Bay Church of England School was rated ‘good’ across all areas.
‘No mean feat’
‘No mean feat’ were the words used by the education watchdog to describe rapid improvements, after a period of significant change, made harder by the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Bay CE School was launched in September 2018, after Sandown Bay Academy — which was twice judged ‘inadequate’ by inspectors — was closed and re-opened following the decision to extend the age range of the existing primary school.
Mills: A happy and inclusive all-through school
Welcoming the findings of the latest report, Duncan Mills, executive headteacher, said,
“We are delighted with our first Ofsted inspection report as an all-through school. We believe the inspectors fully understood The Bay and recognised our strengths, including our drive for continuous improvement.
“They saw that The Bay is a happy and inclusive all-through school, where leaders have successfully established an atmosphere of trust amongst staff. This is enabling everyone to work towards a common goal of sustaining and improving standards in the school.
“There have been significant changes at the school, since extending its age range in 2018, and to the Ofsted framework during this time. Staff and governors are thrilled with the report and all agree that it is a true reflection of the efforts of the whole community.”
High expectations
In their report, inspectors said expectations for pupils to work hard and be successful were evident throughout the school.
In Early Years, leaders were said to understand the priorities for learning and development while children were seen to play happily together, taking turns and showing kindness towards each other.
New curriculum taught by well-trained staff
The way in which leaders had acted swiftly to address a weakness in reading was also praised by inspectors. They noted most younger pupils were now reading with the accuracy and fluency appropriate to their age thanks to a new curriculum taught by well-trained staff.
At Key Stage 4, older pupils were found to be working at a higher standard than was the case last year, while a change in the secondary curriculum had increased the number of students achieving a more academic suite of GCSE qualifications.
Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities
Meanwhile, pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are catered for extremely well — “their needs are identified, understood and met by the leaders and adults who work sensitively with them,” the report said.
Higgin: Testament to the work of the whole staff team
Pete Higgin, chair of governors, said,
“This judgement is testament to the work of the whole staff team.
“Spearheaded by our committed and dedicated leadership team, with the support of the local authority, the governing board congratulates all involved in the school community: pupils, staff, parents and carers.
“We thank them for the faith they have shown. The school has changed immeasurably in the last five years and therefore, against the backdrop of immense challenge, this result is truly, no mean feat.
“The governing board look forward to building on this success and will continue to ensure the school is the best it can be in service of the community of Sandown and the Isle of Wight.“
Andre: The Governing Body and Exec Head showed great courage
Cllr Debbie Andre, Cabinet member for education, said the Isle of Wight Council was thrilled by the outcome of the Ofsted inspection.
“The predecessor school, Sandown Bay Academy, had been judged inadequate twice by Ofsted and was clearly failing both staff and pupils.
“The governing body and Duncan Mills showed great courage in taking on such a challenge and I cannot thank them enough. It shows what can be achieved when high quality leaders drive forward improvement, supported by expert school improvement professionals from the local authority.”
Cllr Andre added,
“I’m incredibly proud of what has been achieved in such a relatively short space of time and this Ofsted report is testament to the determination of everyone involved to deliver a good quality education to our Island children.
“I look forward to continued progress with the school now going from strength to strength.”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
