Ofsted Report

OFSTED INSPECTION MARCH 2009

In March 2009 we had a team of Inspectors visit the school for two days. During this time they had meeting with key members of staff, governors and pupils, visited lessons and scrutinised a wide range of documents and policies.

The following is a summary of their findings.

1. • West Hatch is a good school with several outstanding aspects (12 grade ones awarded).
   • Students achieve well because their personal development and well being is outstanding and they make good academic progress.
   • The programme of personal and social education which includes citizenship is exemplary.
   • Students' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding and they are very well prepared for their future working lives.
   • Rigorous specialist school targets have been met.
   • Students gain good enjoyment from school and are grateful that so many members of staff are approachable and supportive.
   • Teaching and learning are good.
   • Pastoral care is very strong and the support for students with behavioural and emotional difficulties is outstanding.
   • The school is well led and managed, with very comprehensive monitoring and evaluation procedures and well documented policies.  The impact is evident in the school’s outstanding features.
   • Sixth Form students are impressively mature and provide excellent role models for younger students.
   • The outstanding Sixth Form curriculum offers a broad range of academic and vocational opportunities that meet the need of current students very well.
   • Sixth Form students feel well cared for, guided and supported due to the very good pastoral care, the frequency and thoroughness of academic support.
   • The quality of teaching and learning is particularly good in the Sixth Form.
   • West Hatch student’s results are better on average than those of similar students elsewhere.
   • The proportion of students gaining at least five GCSEs at Grade C or above including English and Mathematics is above average.
   • Students with behavioural and emotional difficulties have made exceptional progress in their personal development.
   • Students’ personal development and wellbeing are outstanding.
   • They enjoy school, show a positive attitude to their studies and form productive relationships with adults, many demonstrate leadership qualities.
   • Students’ moral, social and cultural development is outstanding and their spiritual development is good.
   • Their contributions to the school and wider communities are excellent.
   • Students show concern for others, particularly those less fortunate than themselves.
   • Their fund raising and voluntary work for local and international causes are exemplary.
   • Students work and socialise harmoniously and incidents of bullying or racism are very rare.
   • Students are exceptionally well prepared for the world of work.
   • Employers report that students are a credit to themselves and the school being industrious and willing to learn.
   • The quality of the curriculum is outstanding and fully provides for the varying needs of students.
   • The school makes excellent use of outside speakers and visitors.
   • Opportunities for students to learn outside lessons are extensive with a vast range of enriching activities including sport, music, dance and drama and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.  These enhance students’ enjoyment of learning and their personal development.
   • Leaders are strongly committed to the improvement of the school and have a shared vision for its future.
   • Staff morale is good and helps to underpin the school’s capacity to improve further.
   • Arrangements for financial management are robust and the school provides good value for money.

   We were awarded the highest grade of 'outstanding' across 12 areas of school life.

   Please go to the Ofsted Website www.ofsted.gov.uk to view the full Ofsted inspection reports.