Inspection praise for “recent rapid improvements” at Ysgol Rhosnesni however some areas unsatisfactory

A Wrexham ‘super school’ has been praised for its recent rapid improvements in a new report – however several ‘important areas that require improvement’ remain.

The report by Estyn, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales Ysgol Rhosnesni High School, comes off the back of an inspection carried out in November 2018.

The school was placed in special measures following an inspection by Estyn in 2013. It was removed in January 2016 after a period of ‘significant improvements’.

In a new report Estyn, praises the school for for its ‘rapid improvements in some important aspects of its work under the leadership of the new headteacher’ – Mr Andrew Brant – after what is described as a period of significant turbulence.

But the report continues onto say that there are “still important areas that require improvement, including the quality of teaching and assessment and how effectively leaders carry out their roles”.

The inspection found that wellbeing and attitudes, teaching and learning experiences; leadership and management and care, support and guidance at the school as ‘adequate and in need of improvement.”

Standards as the school have also been described as being “unsatisfactory and needs urgent improvement.”

The report states: “The changes that he (the headteacher) has instigated have greatly improved staff morale, pupil attitudes and community engagement. In particular, new strategies adopted by the school have led to substantial improvements in classroom behaviour.

“There remain, however, some important areas for improvement, for example in the standards that pupils achieve and their rates of attendance.

“Recently, the headteacher has established a clear vision and ethos for the school, based on raised expectations and aspirations. Most pupils now behave well in lessons and the majority show positive attitudes to learning. However, pupils do not make enough progress in their knowledge, understanding and skills.

“Since last year, the school has refined leadership roles and responsibilities and strengthened how collaboratively and effectively staff at all levels carry out their roles.

“Leaders now have a much clearer understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement. This is beginning to have a clear impact on many aspects of the school’s work.

“However, there are still important areas that require improvement, including the quality of teaching and assessment and how effectively leaders carry out their roles.”

As a result of the inspection’s findings a series of recommendations have been put forward for the school to undertake.

– Raise standards at key stage 4 and improve the progress that pupils make in developing their skills, especially literacy, Welsh and information and communication technology (ICT)
– Improve attendance
– Strengthen leadership, in particular how well leaders plan for improvement and hold staff to account
– Improve the effectiveness of teaching and assessment
– Address the health and safety issue identified during the inspection

The report adds: “In accordance with the Education Act 2005, HMCI is of the opinion that this school is in need of significant improvement.

“The school will draw up an action plan to show how it is going to address the recommendations.

“Estyn will monitor the school’s progress about 12 months after the publication of this report.”

The headteacher, Andrew Brant said, “This is only the start of the school’s journey. I am pleased that Inspectors have validated the changes I’ve made. It’s essential that we continue to raise standards and promote an ambitious vision for Rhosnesni.”

Ian Roberts, Head of Education in Wrexham commented “it is very encouraging to read that Estyn have recognised the recent significant changes and improvements made at Ysgol Rhosnesni. The local authority and GwE, the regional school improvement service are confident that the school will go from strength to strength and make rapid progress towards addressing the recommendations of the report whilst embedding the changes already made.”

Cllr Phil Wynn, Lead member for Education stated “It is encouraging to see pupils, staff, governors, the local authority and GwE working together towards the school’s future success and that recent improvement have been recognised by Estyn. I have every confidence that the school will continue on its improvement journey under the collective leadership of the headteacher, governing body and staff at the school.”