Whytrig Middle School is Judged to be a ‘Good’ School

Whytrig Middle School is Judged to be a ‘Good’ School

On 29 November Ofsted published its report confirming that Whytrig Middle School’s overall effectiveness has been judged ‘Good’ and the school is ‘Outstanding’ for behaviour and attitudes following its recent inspection. The school achieved a ‘Good’ rating across the remaining three separate Ofsted judgements: quality of education, personal development, and leadership and management.

This achievement sees the school return to a ‘Good’ grade, from the last inspection judgement in 2018 of ‘Requires Improvement’.  The latest Ofsted report comments: “Behaviour in this school is exemplary. Pupils are well engaged in lessons and show a thirst for learning. The culture and relationships are exceptional at Whytrig. Leaders are highly ambitious in their vision for the school and what pupils can achieve. All pupils have access to a broad and ambitious curriculum. This school is an inclusive environment where pupils value each other. Pupils with SEND are extremely well supported in this school. School leaders place a high priority on keeping pupils safe. Pupils feel safe and happy here.”

A new Ofsted inspection framework was introduced from September 2019, a very intensive two-day inspection; so being judged to be a ‘Good’ school overall and ‘Outstanding’ for behaviour and attitudes is a fantastic outcome for all staff and pupils at WMS.

John Barnes, Executive Headteacher, Seaton Valley Federation, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the report for Whytrig. This report truly reflects just what a great school Whytrig is. All of the staff, pupils and parents have worked very hard to be a ‘Good’ school. I am so proud of all of them. Anyone associated with the Seaton Valley Federation knew how good Whytrig was and always has been. I am just pleased that Ofsted have seen this too. Everyone in education has had a very tough couple of years and for Whytrig to achieve this Ofsted report is testimony to the great work of the school and of the Seaton Valley Federation.”

Jon Souter, Head of School, Whytrig Middle School, said: “We are extremely pleased to be able to share the Ofsted report from our recent inspection. Our dedicated team of staff work tirelessly to ensure our children are well supported each day in an environment where we strive for our pupils to be the best versions of themselves; this report truly reflects the hard work of everyone, particularly since the disappointing inspection outcome in 2018 and the added challenges created over the last two years during the pandemic. We are all very proud of our school and the children who attend it and we will look forward to continuing the journey we are on as we aim to make the provision we offer even better!”Cath McEvoy-Carr, Executive Director for Adult Social Care and Children’s Services, said: “A huge congratulations to the school and its pupils. They have worked extremely hard over the last few years to improve their education offer, but to get ‘Good’ across the board with ‘Outstanding’ qualities in behaviour and attitudes is fantastic. It has been a hugely challenging time for schools over the last 18 months so to be recognised by Ofsted during this time is a great achievement.”