College always thinking, says Ofsted

Ofsted inspectors found that Wingfield Business and Enterprise College provided outstanding care, guidance and support for students.

They praised the secondary school for its safeguarding policies and for making students feel secure.

The report also said that the college’s specialist status—which was granted in 2008— had had a major impact on students’ progress and achievement in both academic and personal terms.

This week, staff, students and governors celebrated the report which sees the school rated as good—the second highest category.

Headteacher, Russell Heritage, said: “We have always believed ourselves to be a good school.

“It is a testament to staff, students, parents and governors that their commitment to work tirelessly to provide the best possible education opportunities, experiences and support for all young people, continues to be recognised.

“And, although we have been judged good by Ofsted, with outstanding practice in some areas, we are not complacent.

“We are constantly trying to improve and there are a number of things we must now develop to achieve the highest level.”

The Wingfield Road school has 836 students aged 11 to 16. It was removed from special measures in 2005 and inspectors at the previous inspection in 2008 rated the school as good with “marked improvement.”

The latest report states that students enjoy the college and are grateful for how it tries to raise their aspirations and self-esteem.

Inspectors found that parents and carers were also very positive about the college's strategies to make sure that every student could take full part in everything which Wingfield offered them.

The inspection team highlighted steady attainment, good progress and achievement and the good behaviour of students at the school.

Teaching was described as good and outstanding with a well-planned curriculum.

Inspectors said that the school could improve by raising standards in maths, particularly boys, by increasing the opportunities students have to use new technology and by visiting other schools to learn from best practice.

Wingfield is a nationally accredited ‘Healthy School’ and it also holds the Gold Anti-Bullying Award and the Warwick University Award for Excellence in Enterprise.