DARTON College will be forced to become an academy, the school has confirmed, following the publication of its latest damning Ofsted report this week.
The Chronicle revealed in October that the school would be going into special measures which is confirmed by the report - seen by the Chronicle and now available at the Ofsted website here - which paints a very negative picture.
But principal Kate Davies, who is remaining in her job, and new executive head teacher Pepe Di’Iasio, brought in to support her and the school following the inspection, are optimistic and say they are committed to turning it around quickly.
The report says: “For far too long, pupils have received a poor deal and have not made the progress they are capable of making.
“Leaders have rightly acknowledged that key stage 4 outcomes were ‘shocking’. This is the latest in a long line of depressingly poor achievement.
“Leaders have made poor curriculum decisions. Key stage 4 pupils are receiving fewer mathematics lessons at the very time they need them most.”
“Pupil outcomes have been poor for a long time and leaders have had little impact on improving this sorrowful picture.
“Since the previous inspection, pupils have made inadequate progress in a number of key subjects, including English and mathematics.
“Governors do not challenge leaders well enough on the progress pupils make.
“The disastrous outcomes of 2017 were seen as a ‘unique’ event. They were not. Governors believe that leaders and managers have stemmed the tide of inadequacy. They have not.”
However it did recognise some strengths, including the way the principal had successfully tackled the school’s significant financial deficit and managed a high level of staff turnover.
“The school has an inclusive ethos and works hard to ensure that all pupils feel safe, secure and welcomed.
“Leaders ensure that pupils, including the most vulnerable pupils, are safe.
“Nurture groups provide an effective support for vulnerable pupils and, because of improved teaching, the progress of many of these pupils is starting to improve.”
Principal Kate Davies said four lessons of maths per week was normal in a school, but after arriving in 2014 she did increase this to five.
She said the change back to four had only been made since September and therefore had no impact on the most recent results. She said maths results had been improving the decision had helped broaden the curriculum in other subjects, but said it had been made partly in response to severe financial pressures on the school.
When she was appointed in 2014, the school had a £250,000 deficit which was at the time forecast to be £500,000 by 2016, but has now been cleared with the school back in the black.
In a letter to parents this week, she said: “We are all clearly disappointed by the judgement.
“Whilst we accept many of the areas identified for improvement, we do not feel the report gives an entirely fair reflection of our school or the improvements that have taken place over the last three years and we have raised some concerns regarding the inspection process.
“It is important that we now do not dwell unduly on this and move forward incisively and with pace to make the necessary changes required. A number of actions have already been taken.”
The letter informs parents that Pepe Di’Iasio has been appointed executive head teacher and that he is working with Kate to review school improvement priorities and to develop ‘clearer, more focussed plans’.
“His values, like ours, are firmly grounded in ensuring all learners have a positive experience of school and achieve their full potential.
“It is a huge privilege to be the principal of Darton College and I hope I can work with you to make the necessary changes that will secure improved outcomes for all learners.”
