Ofsted report

Overwhelmingly positive Ofsted report confirms rapid improvement at Laurence Jackson School

An Ofsted inspection team led by Georgiana Sale visited Laurence Jackson School for two days on Thursday 4th and Friday 5th December 2008. We have just received the official report which reinforces the good impression given verbally by the team and accurately reflects the commitment of staff, students, parents and governors in raising standards and expectations at Laurence Jackson School.

The positive outcomes identified by the team clearly demonstrate a significant improvement since the previous inspection of June 2006. Of the 27 judgements, 19 areas were deemed to be Good and 8 as Satisfactory which represents an overall improvement in 9 areas over the past two years.

Summary of key findings quotes from the Ofsted report

The school is improving rapidly as a result of the vision and drive of the headteacher and this is recognised by staff, students, parents, the governing body, the LA and the school improvement partner.

Since the last inspection, the quality of teaching and learning has improved. The majority of teaching is now good, with some that is outstanding.

Students, parents and staff say that there is now a more positive atmosphere for learning; student behaviour is better.

Students enjoy school. They work in a safe and caring environment where they feel well supported by staff and know that the Student Voice is listened to.

Standards, as seen in the proportion of students gaining five good GCSEs, were above the national average, as were standards at Key Stage 3.

Students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities make good progress because they benefit from very effective support and from opportunities to follow vocational courses which are carefully chosen to help them achieve well.

The sports specialism is being used effectively to support the drive to raise standards, to improve teaching and learning and to provide enhanced resources for the school and local community. Students benefit considerably from the schools status as a sports college.

Students personal development and well-being are good, as are the care, guidance and support provided by the school. The schools good curriculum contributes well to students' personal development.

Governance is good; the governors have a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the school which acts successfully as a hub for the local community.

The improvement in standards and provision in the last 12 months, the growing strength of key leaders and the developing confidence of middle managers give the school good capacity to improve further.

Headteacher Tony Gavin was pleased with the outcome.

I think the inspection report paints an accurate picture of the progress we have made in a relatively short time frame and reflects the tremendous effort and commitment shown by the whole school community.

It represents an ideal launch pad towards further success. We will build on the many positive areas and look closely at implementing advice in areas identified for further development.

A massive thank you to everyone who participated in what is a highly intensive process; they should feel justifiably proud of their contribution. Some of the comments in the report are delightful and give a glowing impression of Laurence Jackson School and our potential to improve still further in the future.

All students will receive a letter from Georgiana Sale, the lead inspector (attached) and the full report will be available on both the Ofsted website (www.ofsted.gov.uk) and the Laurence Jackson School website (laurencejackson.org) from Monday 12 January.

Archive Reports