Laurence Jackson School - Laurence Jackson School

 Proposal to become a foundation school.

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Laurence Jackson School achieves Ofsted seal of approval

In recognition of 3 years consistent and continuous improvement, a recent Ofsted inspection judged Laurence Jackson School, Guisborough as a ‘Good School’ in all aspects.

Despite the new Ofsted framework being widely recognised as ‘raising the bar’, a team of 5 inspectors led by Michael Hill, found that Achievement, Teaching, Behaviour, Leadership and Overall Effectiveness at Laurence Jackson all met the rigorous criteria for Good.

Special mention was made for student behaviour and attitudes to learning, for an excellent curriculum which meets the needs of all students and for school leaders who have an “accurate understanding of the schools strengths and weaknesses and are driving improvement successfully”.

Relationships between students and staff were highlighted as very positive and identified as one of the reasons for good behaviour, punctuality to lessons, high attendance and reduced exclusions.

Student and parent questionnaires were overwhelmingly positive and reported that students feel safe, enjoy their learning and the vast majority of parents would recommend LJS to other parents.

Headteacher, Tony Gavin, was pleased with the positive outcome which confirms the school’s own evaluation and is a ringing endorsement of the progress made since 2008. “3 years ago we were judged to be satisfactory and since then staff, students, parents and governors have worked incredibly hard to raise standards and expectations further. The way that the whole school community responded to this intense event was outstanding and extremely rewarding for Governors and the Senior Leadership Team.

The new Ofsted schedule is the most rigorous yet so we are encouraged with the positive feedback which we will use as a stepping stone onto our avowed intention to become an outstanding school.

One of the most pleasing comments was that the inspection team saw clear evidence that we live up to our ambition of ‘Improving the Life Chances of All Students’.

The team identified only one focus for further improvement and that is to improve the small proportion of teaching that is not quite Good. We will approach this task with great determination by both supporting and challenging this small number of teaching staff to achieve that goal.

It has been a privilege to lead such a vibrant and aspirational school over the past 4 years and I look forward to the future with renewed optimism.”

A letter has been sent home to all students click ‘here’ to view.

Click 'here' for the full ofsted report 2012