Roade School now in special measures
Roade School has been placed in special measures by the education watchdog Ofsted, it emerged today.
The secondary specialist sports college - once one of the most sought after schools in the Northampton area - was officially named as a failing school following an inspection in early February which found that teaching standards were variable, pupils were making insufficient progress from key stage two through to GCSE while behaviour in some lessons was poor with a minority of disruptive pupils.
Last night the school announced it would be calling a meeting with parents on April 21 to tackle head-on any concerns.
In the letter to parents of the 1,073 pupils, including 147 sixth formers, chairwoman of governors Christine Marshall said: "A team of five inspected the school by observing lessons, examining work and interviewing pupils, staff and governors. They also took into account the questionnaire completed by parents."
She said the decision to place the school in special measures was "disappointing".
Positives to emerge from the report included good transition for newly-arrived primary pupils, real signs that the percentage of pupils gaining five A-C passes, including English and maths, would rise this year and that sixth form performance was satisfactory and actually improving.
Mrs Marshall added: "The school has monitored the work of students taking GCSE exams and has arranged for targeted revision sessions over the Easter holidays. Specialised teachers, including county subject advisors, will join our existing staff to take these sessions.
"Together with Northamptonshire County Council, the school has drawn up an action plan to address the findings of the inspection. Work has started already in order to bring about the necessary change as quickly as possible. The impact of this work will be closely monitored to ensure that improvements can be sustained."
A Government inspector would also visit regularly to check on progress in the main problem areas, she said.
Councillor Andrew Grant, county council cabinet member for children and young people, said: "We are now involved in key discussions with the school about the level and type of support needed to address the weaknesses identified in the report. We will work closely with the school to ensure they have the appropriate support in leadership, management, teaching and learning to secure the speed and consistency of improvements which will lift the school out of category."
To view the report visit www.roadeschool.northants.sch.uk
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Friday 10 February 2012
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