Oftsed tells school to improve

AN ESSEX secondary school has been criticised by inspectors for making inadequate progress since being placed under special measures a year ago.

The Thomas Lord Audley School and Language College, in Colchester, has failed to make any “significant” changes since inspectors last visited, according to Ofsted.

It said the three key areas where inadequate progress had been made were in attendance and attitude to learning, the quality of the teaching and the leadership and management.

However, it reported satisfactory progress in the schools standards of attainment, which is reflected in recent exam results at the school, which has 1,140 pupils.

Headteacher Steven Davidson said the timing of the inspectors' visit meant recent improvements were not taken into account.

He added: “As always we take on board all of the observations made during the most recent Ofsted inspection and respect their findings. However, it is most unfortunate that our recent successes were not able to be taken into account due to the timing of the inspection.

“We have recently celebrated the best SATs exam results we have ever had and the best GCSE results in four years and I am very proud of the staff and students.

“This proves that the school is progressing well and I will ensure it continues to do so. More students achieved A* - C grades in their examinations at GCSE. This year one girl achieved the fifth highest mark in the country in her science examination.”

He added: “The percentage of students getting five A* - C rose 10% and 53 students in Year Eight achieved their SATs maths one year early at a standard higher than the national average for 14-year-olds.

“Standards of teaching have improved and have secured these outcomes but there is still the need to demonstrate that these improvements will continue.”

Mr Davidson said he was sure the achievements would be reflected in the next Ofsted inspection.