Ofsted Inspection

Here you can read and download the OFSTED Inspection report for Tarleton Academy following the inspectors’ visit on the 20th and 21st January 2010.

We are very pleased with the outcome of the inspection. As you may be aware, OFSTED changed its inspection framework from September 2009. As a result, schools in England are inspected on a wider range of issues and, as Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector said, the “bar has been raised for schools”.

Since September 2010, the Governors, Headteacher, Senior Leadership and staff have been working to ensure that the school is able to respond positively to this new and challenging agenda. We were very pleased that the inspectors identified outstanding practice in students’ achievement and the extent to which they enjoy their learning; care, guidance and support: the effectiveness of the Governing Body and the partnerships with other institutions which we have to promote learning.

We were also very pleased that 65% of teaching is “good” or “outstanding” and that the procedures for maintaining the robust safeguarding of students enhances the excellent support which they are given. OFSTED took particular interest in the support which we offer to our more vulnerable students and noted that support for special needs students is good in lessons.

The inspectors were particularly impressed that 80% of students take part in extra-curricular activities which enhance their health and emotional well-being. In 2009, all students who left the school went into Employment, Education or Training. As this is against the national trend, OFSTED recognised this statistic as a major indicator of the school’s success in preparing young people for their futures. Their high attendance is also a reflection of the way in which young people recognise the importance of education. In addition, the curriculum offers the opportunity for students to realise their potential.

The Leadership of the school which includes the Trustees, the Governing Body and the Senior Leadership Team have been successful in driving improvements since the last inspection in November 2006. We are pleased that the inspectors recognised that the Leadership of the school has the ambition and drive to bring about effective change in the future.

The approval rate of, on average 86% from parents indicates that there is high satisfaction with the current educational provision and support for further improvements. We are already striving to improve that approval figure through the valuable work of our Parent Support Worker, Rachel King, our new website and our Parents Council.

There have been a number of changes to the Science department. The other aspects for further improvement were drafted jointly by the Headteacher and the OFSTED inspectors to ensure that, through the continuation of the robust internal monitoring, all teaching and learning is raised to the standards of the best.

To have achieved “Good with outstanding aspects” is a credit to everyone associated with the school, not least the students whose behaviour in lessons was described as “good and exemplary in lessons which capture their interests”. We hope you will share in the sense of pride in achieving this outcome against a very challenging agenda and will enjoy reading our report.