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Sept 2023

Last Updated: 12/09/2023

Education

Ofsted says Boroughbridge High School 'requires improvement'

by John Plummer

| 12 Sept, 2023

Boroughbridge High School requires improvement, according to a report published by Ofsted today.

Government inspectors visited the school, which was previously rated 'good', on May 4 and 5 this year.

The 440-pupil school was assessed as 'good' for quality of education and personal development. But it received 'required improvement' ratings for behaviour and attitudes and leadership and management, as well as for its overall grading.

The report praises the "positive relationships between pupils and staff" and says most pupils enjoy attending.

It says "teachers have secure subject knowledge and apply this well in lessons" and the majority of staff are happy and proud to work at the school.

But it says some pupils are disruptive, some do not attend regularly enough and some teachers do not ensure all pupils are actively involved in lessons.

The report says:

"Not all teachers have high enough expectations of pupils’ behaviour and do not routinely challenge low-level disruption in classrooms.

"Although many pupils feel safe in school, some do not. Some pupils in lower year groups say they are worried or concerned about the behaviour and conduct of some older pupils."

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Inspectors also said some teachers "accept pupils shouting out answers" and therefore "too few pupils have their subject knowledge routinely checked".

School behaviour is described as "not always calm and orderly" and inspectors said "a small proportion of staff do not feel well supported to manage behaviour".

Headteacher Kathryn Stephenson said:

“We are pleased that inspectors recognised many strengths within our school including the positive relationships between staff and students, effective safeguarding and the high quality of education for all students.

"We are determined to ensure that all aspects of our school are of the highest standard and we look forward to working with our students and their families to achieve this."

Boroughbridge High School is part of a federation with King James’s School in Knaresborough. The two schools have the same governing body.

The sixth form is currently suspended and a small number of students in Year 13, who are still on roll at Boroughbridge High School, travel to King James’s School for Year 13 lessons.

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Ofsted says Boroughbridge High School 'requires improvement'

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