John Kyrle High School received an Ofsted inspection earlier this month. The school was visited by one of Her Majesty’s Inspectors and an Ofsted inspector. They met with the senior team, trustees (governors), staff and students, visited lessons and reviewed school documentation. In addition, inspectors reviewed over 200 responses to online questionnaires from parents and staff.

Headteacher, Nigel Griffiths, said in a letter to parents: “I am delighted to report that that, once again, Ofsted inspectors are very positive about the work we do at the school, and, in particular, our pupils and staff.”

This inspection, which is one of the new ‘Short’ inspections undertaken by Ofsted, has endorsed the findings of the school’s 2012 inspection. The school remains Good overall with Outstanding Leadership and Management, Pupil Behaviour and Safeguarding, and Sixth Form.

The school has received a formal letter from Ofsted which is available on its website and will shortly be published on the Ofsted website. Her Majesty’s Inspector included the following points:

• Pupils are well behaved, polite and friendly.

• Because of excellent attitudes to learning and strong academic results, pupils are well prepared for life after school.

• Parents value the education that the school provides.

• Parents and students particularly value the school’s high-performing sixth form.

• Staff are proud to work at the school.

• They have high expectations of pupils and they consistently model respectful behaviour. Consequently, relationships are strong.

There was a comprehensive review of the school’s safeguarding procedures which were seen to be effective and well understood. Inspectors noted of safeguarding, ‘Leadership of this area is meticulous.’

The next steps recommended for the school are around improving further teaching in modern foreign languages and the attendance of disadvantaged pupils. In terms of MFL, inspectors noted the improving picture brought about by new leadership and that pupils are now making better progress.

Inspectors also commended leadership in the school and its effective Board of Trustees.

Following this strong praise from Ofsted, Mr Griffiths said he was very proud of his pupils and his staff. He said that his favourite, of the many positive comments in the Ofsted letter, is: “You are successful in your aim to develop young people who are happy, healthy and successful.”