A Brighton secondary school has won praise from Ofsted in an inspection report published today (Monday 11 September).
Head teacher William Deighan said that he was pleased and proud with the good verdict for Varndean School, in Balfour Road, Brighton.
Ofsted said: “This school continues to be good. The leadership team has maintained the good quality of education in the school since the last inspection.
“Many aspects of school life have moved into a higher gear, from achievement to behaviour, and pastoral care to the curriculum.
“As a member of staff wrote: ‘It has come on an incredible journey since the last inspection.’
“Initiatives that started a few years ago have blossomed and over 90 per cent of staff are proud to work at the school.
“Since the last inspection, you have strengthened the quality of teaching in the school.
“This has resulted in improved progress for pupils in all years and in better GCSE examination results.
“Pupils now feel confident about how to improve their work and typically behave well and work hard in lessons.
“The percentage of pupils attaining good grades in GCSE English and mathematics examinations in 2016 was just above average.
“Results were convincingly above average in several curriculum areas, such as technology and computer subjects, Spanish, sports and media studies.
“You and senior leaders are fully aware that a few subjects and groups had disappointing results. Tackling the underlying factors started early this year.”
This year – after the Ofsted inspectors’ visit – the school recorded better GCSE results, reflecting the analysis and work that had been identified in the report.
Ofsted added: “Under your leadership, your deputy head teachers and other members of the senior leadership team have become increasingly effective.
“You insist on high standards of teaching throughout the school. You make sure that teachers’ skills are constantly improved by providing relevant and useful training sessions and by visiting and working with other schools to share best practice.
“You welcome probing and challenging questions from your experienced and wise governors and regularly seek external advice to verify procedures and standards.
