Ofsted inspectors' praise for Whitecross High School's progress (From Hereford Times)

Ofsted inspectors' praise for Whitecross High School's progress

11:57am Thursday 28th January 2010

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THE support given to pupils at one of Hereford’s largest schools has been described as excellent following a major review.

Ofsted inspectors rated Whitecross High School as “good” and said it had stepped up its performance following a “satisfactory” grade three years ago.

Reporting inspector Michael Smith said the 900 pupils at Whitecross contributed excellently to their school and to the wider community.

Headteacher Denise Strutt said the report highlights the “enormous progress” made by the school.

Standards at the specialist sports college have risen significantly at key stage four level while GCSE results in science and physical education are very high.

Results in maths and English, meanwhile, are average with 46 per cent of students gaining five A* to C grades, including the two core subjects, in last year’s exams.

Inspectors praised the way students give staff feedback on lessons and regularly grow vegetables and herbs which are used in school meals.

Sport was said to be pivotal with all students following an appropriate PE course.

Lessons were planned well by teachers although pupils’ attention was said to wane towards the end of double lessons.

The inspectors were also impressed by the school’s mobile fitness suite, which is open to local residents with medical issues as well as youths issued with anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs).

The teenagers’ conduct was reported as being good, although the inspection team noted rare cases of “inappropriate behaviour”.

Teachers were told to ensure lessons get off to a prompt start and to make sure their feedback tells students how to improve.

“This is a community school and it is our community I have to thank for such an impressive report,” said Mrs Strutt.

“Students, staff, governors and parents have worked together over a long period of time to transform this school and realise the full potential of every child who comes here.”

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