A local high school, Whitby High School, is due to have its Ofsted inspection tomorrow and Wednesday. The last Ofsted inspection was on the 24th & 25th of May 2022, where they were rated good in all areas: the quality of education, behaviour and attitude, personal development, sixth-form provision and leadership & management.
Previously, Whitby had received an inspection grade of "Requires Improvement" in all areas in 2019.
The school was told on Ofsted's last visit they needed to improve on curriculum focus and help students with their reading knowledge, and in sixth form they should improve on the personal development curriculum, which means the students do not get enough opportunity to explore and deepen their understanding of some aspects of the curriculum.
Other schools in the area, such as The Ellesmere Port Catholic High School and The Ellesmere Port C of E College, achieved either lower or the same results. EPCHS received 'requires improvement', and EPC received 'good'.
Under Ofsted's framework, state-funded schools are no longer assigned overall effectiveness grades, meaning EPCHS has not received a grade since 2021. As far as we know, EPC and WHS are not state-funded. Whitby is a foundation school, whilst EPCollege is an academy-sponsored one.
Email sent to parents by the headteacher, Mrs G. Fraser. She says:
"We have been informed today that we will be inspected by Ofsted on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. This is our chance to show our school at its very best and to celebrate the many strengths. We are proud of our young people and of our school community, and we are looking forward to showing our school to the team of six inspectors. You have a letter from Ofsted attached to this email and have the opportunity to provide feedback for the inspection team; this needs to be completed by 11am on 23rd June. All responses will be reviewed, and I would welcome parents and carers using this opportunity to share the positive feedback that I have recently received along with many of my colleagues. We have been so pleased with all of the positive feedback we have had from our school community recently. We have really valued all that you have shared with us – it makes a difference. I have asked children to wear their usual uniform but said that they are not required to wear their blazer. I know that you will understand that we want to give a great impression to our visitors, and thank you for your understanding on this matter."
We wish Whitby High School all the best in their Ofsted inspection, and we are sure they will do very well.