STEPHENSON STUDIO SCHOOL SECURES REMOVAL OF SPECIAL MEASURES
July 2018
Following a recent inspection by Ofsted on the 26th and 27th June, it has been deemed that Stephenson Studio School no longer requires special measures.
Having been placed in special measures in September 2015, the school has taken great strides to improve the overall quality of teaching, support and opportunities given to those currently studying at Stephenson Studio School.
Inspectors noted significant improvements across the school and highlighted improvements in the curriculum, specifically stating that: “The curriculum, enhanced by extra-curricular activities and weekly work experience, helps pupils to prepare well for their next steps.” And that “By making the curriculum more relevant to pupils’ abilities, interests and aspirations, senior leaders have been able to bring about an improvement in pupils’ engagement with their learning and their achievement, particularly in Year 10.”
Inspectors praised the work done by the school to keep students safe and prepare them for life after school, noting that “Staff provide well-targeted support to ensure that pupils are safe, know how to be safe and make good progress in their personal development. Pupils value this support.” One pupil told the inspector, ‘The school actually believes in us’
“Because of well-targeted support pupils have grown in confidence and resilience."
“Through introducing the ‘Stephenson Way’, senior leaders have raised their expectations about the quality of teaching that they expect from teachers.
“Almost all pupils who left the school in 2017 moved on to sustained places of further education or employment with training. This marked a significant improvement on the destinations of Year 11 pupils who left the school in 2016.”
The significant improvement in the school has been led by Headteacher Keith Hobbs who took on the role in September 2016. Mr Hobbs commented: “We are delighted to announce that Ofsted have deemed that Stephenson Studio School no longer requires special measures. This is a testament to the passion, belief, hard work and dedication shown by everybody involved at Stephenson Studio School, this includes the pupils, staff, trustees, Stephenson College and Babington Academy.
“The team of staff that I have built were aware of the significant challenges and the implications of the special measures status of the school. Still, they joined my school and the shared vision and belief of my team is something that I will forever be proud of."
“Particular strengths included the school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare, it was reported that the arrangements for safeguarding were not only effective, but the safeguarding team are tenacious in ensuring that pupils’ receive the right level of support."
“Whilst we recognise that having raised our expectations and secured significant improvements, there is still much more work to do, the team have already begun working towards the next step in our journey towards becoming a good and eventually outstanding school.”
This announcement comes on the back of an inspirational and successful transition week in which a cohort of new Year 10 students spent a week meeting their new peers, engaging in exciting activities to help boost their communication, teamwork and enterprise skills. Activities included a teambuilding day at Beaumanor Hall and a Business themed workshop and day out at Drayton Manor Theme Park.
If you would like to find out more about what Stephenson Studio School has to offer then please contact the school on 01530 519 099 or info@stephensonstudioschool.co.uk