School improves to become outstanding (with Ofsted report)

A SECONDARY school has improved from "good" to "outstanding" in three years.

Kirk Hallam Community Technology College was given the top grade after an inspection by a team from the Office for Standards in Education on September 17.

When it narrowly missed out with a "good" grading three years ago, the inspection team noted that there was very good capacity for further improvement.

Principal Peter Hamer was delighted with the latest inspection outcome and praised everyone associated with the Godfrey Drive school.

The inspectors said that he set "extremely good direction for the school" and ensured staff were consulted.

Mr Hamer said: "I agree with the inspectors' observations that ours is a school that does not stand still but, at the same time, does not lose sight of its key functions to raise students' achievement and help them become happy, reflective citizens."

The 1,081-pupil school, which opened a new sixth form in September, was praised in the inspectors' report for its "exceptionally good ethos for learning".

The report says that students' performance was analysed regularly and staff "went the extra mile" to ensure that students achieved well.

The inspectors said that they observed nothing but exemplary behaviour and they found the students mature and articulate.

Attendance at the school is very good and there is a low level of unauthorised absence.

The school is very involved in community life, opening its doors to host lunches for adults and bingo for pensioners.

Areas highlighted for improvements included ensuring high standards are consistently achieved and rethinking the recording system for lesson observations.

Parent governor Bob Prew was delighted with the inspection report.

He said: "It is a fantastic result that is much deserved and confirms everything that I have always thought about the college."