Good rating for school

A city secondary school at the “heart of the community” has received warm praise from inspectors with a ‘good’ rating by Ofsted.

Christopher Whitehead Language College in Worcester has been awarded a ‘good’ rating following an inspection by Ofsted in May.

The school in Bromwich Road, which last received a ‘good’ rating in 2018, has been praised for being “inclusive, tolerant and welcoming” with opportunities that “went beyond the expected.”

Ofsted inspectors said teachers were “knowledgeable, encouraging and approachable” and school leaders had “high expectations … [which placed] a strong focus on academic achievement and pupils’ character development.

“Pupils enjoy learning a well-thought-out curriculum that includes high-quality information about careers,” Ofsted said. “This curriculum gives them the knowledge and skills they need to embark on their futures successfully.”

The school was praised for being at the “heart of community” with a headteacher that “paid serious attention to ensuring pupils have meaningful opportunities to be active and respectful citizens.”

“These opportunities go beyond the expected,” inspectors said. “They include raising money for local charities, preparing and serving meals for people experiencing homelessness and visits to local care homes.

“In addition, pupils appreciate and make good use of the impressive range of extra-curricular clubs available to them daily.”

“Adults and pupils develop strong, positive and trusting relationships. This helps pupils to feel safe. Bullying is uncommon … classrooms are purposeful and disruption to learning is rare.

“Leaders have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour. The whole school community understand these expectations. In lessons, pupils know what adults expect of them and they respond accordingly. At social times, the atmosphere is typically calm and orderly.”

“Sixth-form students are positive role models for younger pupils. They take their studies seriously and achieve high academic standards.”

Ofsted also praised the school for working hard to promote staff wellbeing.

“Staff morale is high,” Ofsted said based on its inspection on May 24 and 25. “They are proud to work at the school.

“Those responsible for governance make a significant and positive contribution. They routinely gather the views of parents, pupils and staff and consider a range of other information about the school. Consequently, they know the school well.”