LYNN'S King Edward VII School is a good and improving school which is well-respected in the community, according to its latest Ofsted report.
Inspectors visiting the school and sixth form in March rated it “good” in all categories and found the care, guidance and support given to pupils to be “excellent”.
The glowing report said: “Overall the school is held in high regard by the communi
ty it serves. The large majority of parental questionnaires received expressed their support of the school.”
Teaching and learning at the school have improved from satisfactory to good since the previous inspection, its overall effectiveness was good and pupils, often with poor attainment on entry, are progressing well.
Progress in Years Ten and Key Stage 4 improved markedly in 2008 and are now significantly higher than the national average, it was found.
The report, published last week, also praised pupils’ personal development and well-being and said KES’s sports college status contributed positively to this.
“There is a very extensive range of school activities, with high numbers of students participating.
“For example, there are a high number of competitive and successful sports teams and drama and musical events. All add greatly to students’ interest and enjoyment of school,” it said.
Inspectors were impressed with the Gaywood Road school’s award-winning work with its partner school in China, finding it had developed students’ cultural awareness and appreciation of their own community.
They also spoke very highly of the sixth form, which has 287 pupils, and gave it a good rating overall.
Inspectors said: “Students demonstrate good and occasionally outstanding study skills. They are accomplished learners who take their studies very seriously and contribute very well to school life. The large majority progress to university, most to their first choice institution.
“Pastoral arrangements are outstanding and are highly valued by the students. Teaching in the sixth form is consistently good, students receive very good advice and guidance.”
There was praise again for the school’s management, lead by headteacher Mr Michael Douglass, who took over the role in 2002.
“All of the issues identified at the last inspection have been tackled and, as a result, many aspects of the school have improved. The headteacher has given the school clear direction and is well supported by his colleagues and the governors.”
To further raise standards, inspectors have asked KES to ensure teaching challenges all students to the best of their ability.
