Yorkshire school is rated as inadequate in first inspection as an academy

A SCHOOL has been found to be inadequate in its first inspection since converting to become an academy.

Ofsted rated Sir Thomas Wharton Community College, in Doncaster, as having serious weaknesses. However it praised the new head teacher who it says has a clear understanding of how to tackle the school’s weaknesses.

Head Keith Binks, who joined the academy in September last year, has written an open letter on the school’s website in response to the report. It says: “As head teacher this is not where I want our college to be or where we will be.” He said Ofsted endorsed the mandate for “a relentless drive to accelerate changes that have already begun to improve teaching and achievement.” The school became a co-operative academy in February 2013. It had previously been rated as satisfactory.

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In the report Ofsted praises the head, governors and school sixth formers.

It says that since the opening of the academy in 2013, students have underachieved across a range of subjects,including in English and mathematics.

 It also warns that the quality of teaching over time is inadequate.

Expectations are said to be too low and the work set for students does not match their needs. Inspectors found that the quality of support received by students with disabilities and those with special educational needs is not checked well enough and leads to their underachievement.

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However it says the new leadership is tackling weak teaching and holding subject leaders to account. It says this has led to teaching and achievement improving. It also highlights sixth form students as being good role models for others and supporting younger students in lessons and form time.

 In the letter on the school’s website Mr Binks says: “The inspection had a strong focus on our students – their behaviour, respect and care for others and their attitude to learning. I am extremely proud of the findings on them. The positive endorsement of our college ethos and values could not be achieved without them and the high quality support provided by our staff. As we drive improvements forward we will ensure their attitudes are rewarded with the very best learning experiences that lead to high achievement.

Parents are being invited to a meeting tomorrow at 6.30pm to listen to Mr Binks vision for moving the school forward.

He said: “We are on a journey to be recognised as ‘outstanding’. We will achieve this in partnership with you.” all.”