PERSONAL development of pupils at The Swanage School has been rated as ‘outstanding’ by inspectors.
A report compiled after Ofsted visited the High Street secondary school on November 7 and 8 has been released, with an overall grading of ‘good’.
As well as the ‘outstanding’ mark for personal development, the school was ranked as ‘good’ in all other areas; the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management.
“Pupils at The Swanage School belong to a strong community in which staff know them well,” inspectors wrote. “Positive relationships between staff and pupils underpin life at the school.”
“Bullying is extremely rare because there is a culture of tolerance and kindness,” they added. “They are supportive of one another and proud of their unique school.”
The school boasts an “ambitious and carefully planned” curriculum, the report said, and teachers “question pupils skilfully to ensure they understand before they teach new content”.
Too many pupils are persistantly absent, the report notes, though “repeated poor behaviour is very rare”.
Headteacher, Jenny Maraspin, said: “The inspectors were particularly impressed with our integrated and impactful curriculum, students’ motivation and positive attitude to learning, and with our teachers for their high expectations, tailored questioning, and subject expertise.
“We are incredibly proud that the report gives recognition to the excellent education and opportunities The Swanage School provides for students.
“In turn, this recognises the tremendous efforts of our staff on behalf of students. They really are relentless in their dedication to continually drive the school forward.
“To receive particular recognition for the positive role the school plays in the personal development of students is very pleasing given the importance of the school experience for preparing young people for their next steps and in helping them grow the confidence and skills to build successful lives.”
Chair of governors, Tim Marcus, added: “On behalf of the Board of Governors, I congratulate the entire staff team in having their hard work and commitment to providing a broad education for every student so extensively recognised and praised.
“It is incredibly rewarding to have the school’s unique ethos shine through so clearly to the inspectors during their visit.
“They picked up on the strong sense of pride in the school felt by both staff and students, and this is a pride that the Board of Governors share.”
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