Church Stretton School just steps from becoming outstanding

Church Stretton School is just a few steps away from achieving 'outstanding' status, according to Ofsted inspectors.

The secondary school has been given a 'good' rating after Ofsted's most recent visit to the school. But inspectors added teachers only needed to improve in a few areas to join the elite schools classed as outstanding. The inspection report says:?"This is a good school."

It goes on: "Students achieve well to leave with attainment in subjects across the curriculum that is significantly above the national average.

"This good achievement is a result of the quality of teaching they receive, the school's varied curriculum, tailored to learners' needs, and quick and effective intervention by school leaders and teachers when there are signs of underachievement.

"Students' achievement is not yet outstanding because, over time, all groups of students are not making rapid and sustained progress."

The inspectors added in a letter to pupils: "This is a good school and you, the students, play a significant part in this.

"All of you achieve well because teaching is good. You told us that you think Mr Lunt and his colleagues are doing a good job and we agree with you. Your attendance is above the national average – so, well done. For it to move from being good to outstanding, we have given your school some priorities for improvement. One is to make sure that all of you make even more rapid and sustained progress during your time at school."

Headteacher Steve Lunt said he was pleased the inspectors had recognised the hard work put in by teachers and staff.

He said: "We are pleased with the report which is a real testament to the quality of our work. We were pleased that they noted the atmosphere of mutual respect that supports students' strong social and moral development and is a strength of the school.

"Ofsted has become a challenging benchmark for schools and we are pleased to have this endorsement of our work."