Staff and students at York High School are celebrating the results of a recent Ofsted inspection which recognises the school as ‘Good’.
York High, which is part of South Bank Multi Academy Trust has been praised by inspectors in its first inspection since becoming an academy in May 2018.
The school, which has been on a significant journey of improvement since January 2017, when it was judged as ‘Inadequate’, has now been recognised as “a school where pupils and staff are proud to say they work, study, play and grow together”, where “staff know the pupils well” and “pupils feel supported and safe.”
The report notes that “positive attitudes to learning were common” and that “staff and pupils enjoy the calm atmosphere in lessons.” Inspectors recognised that “teachers are passionate and know their subjects well” and that “Leaders, staff and governors have put in place a curriculum that is ambitious.” The report also acknowledges the positive impact which staff training has on the quality of teaching. York High is also reported to be a school where reading is given a high profile across the school.
Rod Sims, Headteacher at York High School said “I am absolutely bursting with pride that York High has been recognised as a ‘Good’ school. With the support of the Trust, we have worked incredibly hard to make sure that our school is a happy and safe place to learn and teach, and where young people can aspire to succeed not only during their time with us, but also when they leave school.
“I want to thank my colleagues who work tirelessly for the good of the children in our community, but I also want to thank the students who bring so much life, passion and enthusiasm into school. This result is for everybody, and I hope everyone is as proud as I am!”
Mark Hassack, CEO of South Bank Multi Academy Trust said “As a Trust, our vision is to focus relentlessly on ensuring that all children experience educational excellence every day so that they can achieve the very best outcomes – academically and in their personal development. This report affirms this is happening at York High School, and the Trust Board and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome!
“We know how much the school does for its students and its community, not just in terms of education, but also in terms of personal development, extra-curricular opportunities and wellbeing, The report acknowledges that York High’s offer goes far beyond academic subjects, and that the personal development curriculum gives pupils a breadth of knowledge in areas such as health, safety, tolerance and respect, all vital life skills.
“I know Rod and the team are committed to continuing the journey of improvement and I have no doubt they will continue to succeed. I hope this official stamp will give the students, their parents and the school community a huge sense of pride.”
The report identifies that a strategy to gather, record and analyse attendance information is already helping staff to better support persistent absentees, however, attendance still needs to be improved. The school has also been encouraged to ensure that “teachers effectively use their understanding of pupils’ prior knowledge to make informed choices for lesson content.”
South Bank Multi Academy Trust has six schools in York: York High School, Millthorpe School, Carr Junior School, Knavesmire Primary School, Scarcroft Primary School and Woodthorpe Primary School.
;
