Carisbrooke College has come out of special measures following a recent Ofsted inspection.
The previously ‘inadequate’ school, as judged in 2013, has now been removed from special measures after inspectors witnessed improvements at the Wellington Road school.
A team of 11 Ofsted Inspectors, overseen by the Senior inspector for the South East of England, conducted a coordinated inspection of Carisbrooke College, Medina College and the Island Innovation Federation VI form campus on 10th and 11th March.
Chair of Governors, Joe Finch said:
“All of us are delighted with this news, which reflects the tireless efforts shown by staff, students, parents and governors to put things right. The instability at the College in 2011-12, now seems a long time ago and it is clear that Peter Shaw’s appointment in January, 2013, has steered us rapidly along a path of sustainable improvement.
“We all need to acknowledge the drive and direction that he has brought to our learning community. I am pleased to announce that we have had a substantial increase in numbers for Year 7 this September and I am sure that the parents of students who will be coming to Carisbrooke College will also be very pleased at this latest Ofsted judgement.”
Carisbrooke College, judged to be a 4 in all areas in 2013, is now rated a 3 for Leadership and Management, Teaching, Behaviour and Safety and Achievement.
Peter Shaw said,
“I have spoken repeatedly since I started work at Carisbrooke College about the fabulous staff and students that we have here and I am so proud of their achievements. They really deserve this. There has never been a sense of panic here about being in Special Measures, more like a steely resolve to get out of it.
“It can be difficult at times and there have been some tough conversations and decisions along the way but you simply roll up your sleeves and keep doing what you know is right. We are under no illusions now that getting to ‘Good’ in the next two years will give us yet more hurdles to leap but I promise you that we will clear those as well.”
At the sister school Medina College, findings show that they are well on the path to achieving a “Good” judgement at their next Inspection and under the leadership of Richard Williams, the future for both Colleges and indeed secondary education on the Island is positive and a far cry from the picture back in 2013.
Joe Finch added:
“It is always reassuring that our own judgements and understanding of the college are reflected by the Inspection teams. We know the areas that we need to focus and improve in both Colleges and the Sixth form.
“Although we are proud and in a celebratory mood, we won’t rest on our laurels and know that we won’t rest until both colleges are Good and on their way to being judged Outstanding.”
Headteacher Richard Williams, who was previously headteacher during Medina High School days, said,
“I am delighted that the inspection team wholly endorsed everything that we are doing in terms of all of our systems and processes and were impressed with the accelerated levels of progress all of our students are now making.
“They recognised the improvements in teaching and achievement since September and graded as good the ways we keep students safe. What pleased me most, and this has to be good news for all students and their families, is that they confirmed that Medina is in a healthy position to go on to achieve all of our challenging targets so that all children achieve the success they deserve.
“I would like to thank all the staff, students, Trustees and Governors for their hard work, effort and support since September and I think this report is a fitting tribute to their combined commitment. I would also like to pass on my congratulations to Peter Shaw and all the staff and students at our partner College, Carisbrooke, for having all their hard work and efforts rewarded with the removal of Special Measures.”
