One of our secondary schools has welcomed a fantastic progress report, after a recent visit by inspectors.
The headteacher and staff at Ysgol Y Grango are celebrating a recent report by Estyn, which shows that the school has followed up on all the recommendations from an earlier inspection.
The good news comes as the school continues its expansion, having been over-subscribed over the last three years.
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The report has noted strong improvements in a number of areas, including:
- Pupils’ performance at the end of Key Stage 4, putting them at performance levels above those of a majority of similar schools
- The “wide range of valuable opportunities” to help pupils develop their numeracy, literacy and ICT skills.
- More self-evaluation and improvement planning, both of which have been “strengthened significantly”.
- The strength of pupils’ voices in the school’s development, including through events such as “Feedback Fridays”, which allows pupils to give their views on teaching and learning.
“Absolutely delighted with positive comments”
Stephen Garthwaite, headteacher at Ysgol y Grango, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the positive comments within the inspection report. This reflects the hard work and commitment of the whole school team to strive for excellence across all areas, so that all our students receive the very best education and care.
“We have also further invested in the professional development of our teachers with regard to classroom and assessment practice and we encourage frequent sharing of good practice, again factors recognised by the inspectors.
“As a school we can be confident that we have put in place measures that will ensure a successful future, building on what we have already achieved and continuing to drive up aspirations.
“I would like to thank all the staff for their ongoing dedication, and the community for their invaluable support.”
Ian Roberts, head of education at Wrexham Council, congratulated the school for its “excellent outcome” following the Estyn visit and praised everyone for their “effort, commitment and dedication.”
Cllr Phil Wynn, lead member for education, said: “I’m very pleased with this excellent progress report, and congratulations are due to all staff, pupils and governors for their efforts in ensuring the school has delivered against Estyn’s recommendations by the time of the second inspection.”
Brian Jones, the chair of governors, said: “The governors are delighted with the many positive aspects highlighted in the report. There is a real appreciation of the hard work undertaken by the headteacher and leadership team to promote an excellent learning environment and a strong, caring ethos.
“We are all focused on driving up levels of attainment and I am confident that with everything that has been done and will be done, the school can look forward to a very bright future ahead.
“As a community, we must all encourage our young people to aim high and realise their dreams.”
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