STAFF, pupils and parents are delighted that Teign School has been rated ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted inspectors.
Headteacher Suzannah Wharf said: ‘The school community has worked hard over the last few years in creating a really fantastic, broad and balanced curriculum for the children.
‘Teign School has a culture where the students understand the importance of community and looking after one another. ‘We are really pleased with the Ofsted judgement as it reflects how the staff, students and parents perceive our school.
‘We work hard for the children in our local community, not for Ofsted grades, but to provide them with an excellent education and where they can feel ‘Pride Through Success’.
‘Teign School does its utmost to give all students the opportunities that will develop their character and personal attributes; providing them with a strong foundation for their next steps in life.
‘Working with our families and with the community, we will continue to do all we can to drive forward further improvements in our school.
‘We will continue to be ambitious and aspirational for all our young people.
‘It is a privilege to work amongst such dedicated and wonderful staff and students’
The Ofsted inspectors, who visited the school in October said: ‘Pupils are happy and safe. They enjoy positive and respectful relationships with each other and with staff.
‘On the rare occasions that bullying occurs, leaders deal with it quickly and effectively. Pupils understand the importance of respecting people from different backgrounds and treating them equally.
‘Leaders have placed the principle of respect at the heart of the school. They create meaningful opportunities for pupils to have a voice.
‘For example, the headteacher and other senior leaders listen carefully to feedback from student council representatives.’
The report praises where the school excels.
‘Leaders have designed a broad and ambitious curriculum for pupils. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils.
‘The suite of subjects known as the English Baccalaureate is at the heart of the curriculum at key stage 4.
‘In the sixth form, leaders have developed ambitious programmes of study.
‘Leaders have a clear vision for pupils to become subject experts.’
It adds: ‘Where the curriculum is strong, pupils can explain in detail how it is preparing them for future learning.’
‘Teachers have expert knowledge in the subjects they teach.
‘Pupils, including students in the sixth form, receive effective careers advice, information and guidance. They take part in meaningful work experience opportunities.’
On safeguarding children the inspectors say: ‘Leaders have established a strong culture of safeguarding. They identify pupils who need support and take effective action.’
The report mentions two area where the school could improve:
It says teachers do not always check pupils’ understanding of the curriculum sufficiently well.
‘The early reading programme is not as effective as leaders intend.’
Teign School is part of Education South West multi-academy trust and has 1,033 pupils on roll.
Teign School achieved a ‘Good’ rating for in all areas for:
► The quality of education
► Behaviour and attitudes
► Personal development
► Leadership and management
► Sixth-form provision
Its previous report had concluded the school ‘requires improving’, which the school has succeeded in doing.