Strong leadership, a caring atmosphere and a culture in which teachers are trusted to take risks are some of the reasons why Kesgrave High School has retained its ‘good’ Ofsted rating.
The education watchdog has heaped praise on headteacher Nigel Burgoyne in a new short inspection report, saying a wide curriculum is placed at the core of his “passionate and well-focused” leadership.
The 1,836-pupil academy continues to be ‘good’, the short inspection report concluded. The inspection in December was the first since September 2013.
Daniel Gee, Her Majesty’s Inspector, wrote: “You (Mr Burgoyne) have ensured that pupils are able to study a wide variety of subjects when they join your school. This commitment is maintained when pupils make their GCSE option choices.
“Students who enter your sixth form are incredibly grateful for the choice of over 40 courses and the determination of leaders to ensure that they can study the range of courses that is most appropriate for them.
“Teachers share your ambition for pupils to excel across the curriculum. They agree that leaders have created a climate in which teachers are trusted to take risks and innovate in ways that are right for the pupils.”
Some 61% of students achieved the new level 4 (old C grade) or above in English and maths in summer 2017.
Mr Gee said the school has a clear and accurate understanding of its strengths and weaknesses, allowing the quality of teaching and leadership to improve.
Governors provide robust accountability and pupils are proud of their school, he said.
Mr Gee added: “Pupils value the many positions of responsibility available to them, along with the high quality of pastoral care that they receive from your staff.”
To improve further, he advised reducing the progress difference between disadvantaged pupils and those nationally, and planning teaching to challenge high-flyers.
Mr Burgoyne said: “It is pleasing to have this external validation of the quality we know to be true of Kesgrave High School and the very helpful advice it contains to help us strive to improve even further.
“We were particularly pleased that Ofsted praised our curriculum in terms of its range and breadth. Ofsted were also struck by the strength of our pastoral care system and the students voiced this throughout the day, telling inspectors how cared for, safe and looked after they felt.
“We feel that this report is a positive reflection of the whole community of Kesgrave; students, parents, staff, and governors.”
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