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Students at William Ellis School are well supported in a secure environment and benefit from a good sixth form, an independent inspection has found. Ofsted rated William Ellis as a satisfactory school with a strengthened capacity to improve. Inspectors were impressed by the determination shown by the school to tackle recent budgetary difficulties and the way it is working with partners and Camden Council to rectify the situation. "The acting headteacher has the confidence of parents and staff and is supported by a senior team with an appropriate range of expertise," the report said. "More rigorous systems are in place to monitor the work of the school and, supported by the Local Authority, the capacity to improve has been enhanced." During the inspection at the school in Highgate Road, NW5, on 26-27 March, Ofsted found a school where students said they feel comfortable and safe and receive good care, guidance and support. Inspectors noted the mentoring system where Year 11 students advise Year 7 students, and the way students who have English as an additional language are supported, including celebrating the culture of their first language. Inspectors also had particular praise for the effectiveness of the sixth form, where "good quality provision is leading to improving standards and students achieve well." Acting headteacher Malcolm Rose said: "I especially want to thank teachers, support staff, governors and particularly all the boys for all their hard work. "We were particularly pleased inspectors saw our strong commitment to focusing on the future. We know that with the backing and involvement of parents, the school will continue to prosper, and that the attainment, care and guidance of pupils will remain at the heart of our work." Vernon King, Chair of Governors, said: "I am greatly encouraged by the report and its acknowledgement of the work undertaken by the school to address recent challenges. I am confident that with all the measures pending and taken by the school and governors to address these challenges, the school will flourish as a beacon for boys education in Camden." Cllr Andrew Mennear, Executive Member for Schools, said: "Obviously, William Ellis has been going through a very difficult time of late and this report provides a helpful basis to guide the school as it continues to move forward. William Ellis is moving in the right direction with plans already in place to improve and raise achievements. It's more than clear that this is a school where boys feel supported and secure, which is one of the most important qualities a school can provide. I look forward to seeing these positive achievements take place and I wish the school every success as they take on this challenge." The report said the school now needs to make sure work is interesting and challenging for all students. Other priorities are to encourage behaviour that helps everyone to learn, to set challenging improvement targets and to improve attendance and punctuality at sixth form. http://www.camden.gov.uk/ |
