Heads, you win!

THE head teacher, head boy and head girl of a Hollinwood school have all been praised by Ofsted inspectors.

Inspectors rated New Bridge School, Roman Road, as a good secondary special school and sixth-form with outstanding features.

Head teacher Graham Quinn was singled out for his outstanding leadership supported by the school’s senior managers.

Inspectors also felt the head boy David Clayton and head girl Lauren Evans, both in Year 11, were excellent role models for younger students.

The report stated that students were very well behaved in lessons and around the campus. Their progress was good, with some pupils progressing exceptionally well because of the school’s teaching and curriculum.

From their own individual starting points, achievement was good and for many students with lower levels of ability, it was deemed outstanding. Progress was fastest at Key Stage 3 and achievements in performing and visual arts were seen as particular strengths.

Students were very well supported in the transition from school to college or employment.

The quality of teaching was rated as good overall, sometimes outstanding. However, occasionally lessons lacked challenge and work was not matched to the full range of needs of students in the group. Also, students were not always as familiar with their own learning targets.

Inspectors suggested that the school should evaluate students’ academic progress more, make students aware of their learning targets, and make data about student performance more accessible.

Mr Quinn said: “We are absolutely delighted with the Ofsted report.

“I think the most pleasing aspect that the inspectors picked up was how mature, sensible, and caring the young people of New Bridge School are.”