KS3 Inspection Survey - Outstanding in all areas!
This was the verdict of The Office for Standards in Education – Ofsted – after a Survey Inspection visit to Upton on 21 January 2009. The agenda was to to look at work in planning for and implementing the new Key Stage 3 curriculum with particular reference to Year 7.
In his findings the inspector said “The overall effectiveness of the planning for and implementation of the new Key Stage 3 curriculum was judged to be outstanding.”
We were awarded a Grade 1 (‘Outstanding’) for all inspection categories including: achievement and standards; quality of teaching and learning; quality of the curriculum; leadership and management of the new Key Stage 3 curriculum and Inclusion.
Evidence used to inform the judgements included interviews with staff and students, scrutiny of relevant documentation as well as analysis of students' work and observation of parts of lessons.
Standards on entry to the present Year 7 were found to be above average and the progress of students observed in lessons was deemed to be excellent.
Praise was made of both students and the teaching staff with comments such as: “Students' functional skills are highly developed and used flexibly and well across the curriculum ”
“Progress is rapid because students listen and can concentrate for long periods, they have the ability to work collaboratively and independently and they do their homework diligently.”
“Excellent use is made of information and communication technology as a teaching and learning aid.”
“Teachers have excellent subject knowledge. They plan interesting and varied learning activities and they monitor students’ progress rigorously and accurately. They ensure they get the support and guidance they need on how to improve.”
The inspector went on to comment on the Curriculum recognising the excellent provision for teaching modern foreign languages, the enriching qualities of our extensive extra curricular activities and noting the significant contribution to students' personal development of the personal, social, health and education programme.
He also remarked upon the Leadership and Management of this for the new KS3 and made the following observations:“The school’s high attaining status, together with the effective way change has been handled, means that it has an excellent capacity to build on and refine the new curriculum.”
An Outstanding School
The Office for Standards in Education – Ofsted – delivered a glowing report on Upton after a visit by inspectors in October 2006.
“ This is an outstanding school,” they said. “Standards achieved ….. are excellent and well above national averages. Students show a joyful enthusiasm for learning and strive to achieve consistently high standards.
“The leadership of the school is inspiring and is the driving force that has established a culture where all seek to contribute and develop.”
They awarded a Grade 1 (‘Outstanding’) for nearly all inspection categories including: overall effectiveness of the school; achievement and standards; personal development and wellbeing; teaching and learning; curriculum and other activities; care, guidance and support; leadership and management.
The GCE A-level results in 2006 showed high standards and continued the pattern of continuous improvement over the last five years. Students speak highly of the Sixth Form and the many and challenging opportunities they are offered.
Peaceful and Happy Environment
The inspector noted the Upton campus has undergone an extensive building programme and offers a peaceful yet stimulating environment, with vibrant displays of student art and textile work in the corridors and recreational spaces.
“Within this happy and harmonious environment, the school helps students to develop into well rounded individuals, equipping them with skills and attitudes required for successful future achievement,” he reported.
“The school excels in encouraging the development of confident, independent young women who are able to meet the demands of life in the 21 st Century.”
He concluded by examining Inclusion and his findings were extremely positive:“The school has a history of ensuring that every student reaches her potential academically and in her personal development.”
In summing up Upton was found to have “no significant areas for improvement, apart from the implementation of the new curriculum structure.”
Exciting Developments
“Upton Hall School FCJ is an outstanding Catholic school,” said inspectors from the Diocese of Shrewsbury in their Report on the Inspection of Denominational Education conducted in November 2006.
Students were very happy and full of praise for the school, particularly the friendly supportive atmosphere, the inspectors reported.
“The Sixth Form particularly expressed their pride in the school and welcomed the opportunities to take responsibility and ownership of initiatives.”
The Senior Team had a clear vision of the mission of the school as a Catholic school, they added.
“The Head teacher and Leadership team have a clear shared vision for the school and its future in a
time of exciting developments within the school: new building, curriculum development and change, restructure of collective worship and form time; the role of chaplaincy within the school; behaviour for learning….”
See the full reports
You can view online or download the full Ofsted Inspection Survey January 2009 and the Ofsted October 2006 report on Upton Hall School.
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OFSTED Inspection Survey (January 2009) |
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OFSTED Report (October 2006) |
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Inspection of Denominational Education Report |