School impatient for Ofsted to confirm improved performance

Scalby School in Scarborough was one of three in the county that had failed to measure up to classroom standards.

However, in the autumn term, Wensleydale School and Risedale Secondary at Catterick Garrison received their pass marks from Ofsted inspectors.

Scalby once had the reputation of being the best in Scarborough but, after an inspection in November 2008, Ofsted not only criticised teaching standards and leadership by the governors but said action must be taken initiate improvements.

Pupil numbers had decreased from 1,011 in January 2007 to 951 at the time of the inspection.

A number of measures were taken in response to the crisis – including dumping rowdy pupils, a blanket ban on family holidays during term time, and shortening school days to a Continental-style regime.

Now, troubleshooting head Paul Tarn is preparing to hand over to David Read, who will take over as principal from September.

John Bell, North Yorkshire County Council's assistant director of children and young people's services who is responsible for school improvement, said he was "very optimistic" the school would be out of special measures, possibly by Easter.

He said: "We are very happy with what the school is doing and the progress made and very happy with the work Paul and his team have put in.

"There has been considerable improvement in exam results. More generally, the evidence of improvement will come out through the next inspection some time soon. It could be Easter.

"All the monitoring visits so far since special measures have been very positive and complimented both the staff of the school and the local authority.

"We are pleased with the progress and confident the school is going from strength to strength."

Before his five-year stint as head of Nidderdale High School and Community College, Mr Read was a deputy head teacher at Scalby.

John Scobie, chairman of Scalby School interim executive board, said: "He was absolutely delighted at being offered the position.

"I know from speaking to David he has always longed to have the opportunity to lead this school and the IEB has absolute confidence in his ability to continue with the terrific work that has been undertaken in the school led by Mr Tarn and the team."

Mr Tarn, who will leave at the end of August, said: "It has been a real privilege for me to work in Scarborough.I also have a great deal of faith in the local authority to address the issues in its schools.

"The local authority had the courage to take on Outward Grange, a national leader in education to support Scalby and the issues highlighted by Ofsted have now been addressed.

"Behaviour in the school is good and standards have risen. Last summer's GCSE results rose from 33 to 66 per cent of children receiving five good A*-C passes including English and maths, the highest rise in the country. The school is also about to break even in terms of its budget.

"My job is now to make sure that the school performs well in this year's examinations and the children get a good deal and to ensure that the transition to the substantive headteacher is seamless.

"The number of parents that have chosen Scalby School has risen from 133 to 176 and we expect the school to reach its pupil admission number next year. The young people here are a significant asset to the town and are the best I have ever worked with."