Bright future in store for school (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Bright future in store for school

Headlands headteacher Jan Shadick Picture Ref: 200036SWINDON AND PROUD OF IT: TROUBLED Headlands School is making satisfactory progress, according to HM Inspectors.

A team visited the school in Cricklade Road last month and were heartened by what they saw.

Inspectors spent two days observing lessons and chatting to staff and students.

The final report has now been published and the overall judgment is that the school is making "satisfactory" progress.

Inspectors concluded that progress had been made in all problem areas identified in the last inspection, which was carried out in May.

They said that there was now increasing stability in the school and that behaviour and attitudes to learning were improving.

Pupils reported to them that they felt safe, were increasingly enjoying their learning and that they had pride in their school again.

The quality of teaching is also improving and inspectors even tip exam results to rise significantly.

Headteacher Jan Shadick said she was delighted by the report.

"I am delighted with the findings of the inspectors," she said.

"This is testament to the hard work and commitment of staff, students and parents at the school.

We can only make progress if we work as a team and we have a very good team at Headlands School."

In September 2004, the then-failing school reopened under the Fresh Start initiative.

A year earlier, David Williams, headteacher of Kingsdown School, Kingsdown School, became the executive head of Headlands School.

In May this year he was praised for his leadership skills in an HM Inspectors report.

Mr Williams recruited a number of staff, including the present headteacher.

Report says:

'The school is striving to achieve its vision to be a learning, caring and a thriving school.'

'Pupils with high prior attainment achieve results which are expected in English and Maths and higher than expected in Science. The results of Information, Communication and Technology were the best in Swindon.'

'Good progress has been made in collecting and managing data on pupil performance. The school has a comprehensive picture of standards and pupil progress and has secure evidence that standards should rise.'

'Pupils report that they feel safe and in most cases free from bullying and intimidation.'

'Behaviour has improved both inside and outside the classroom.

'Attitudes to learning are at least satisfactory and are improving.'

'Attendance is rising and unauthorised absence has been reduced.'

'The school's commitment to the all-round education of pupils is evident and pupils report that they are increasingly enjoying their learning.'

Kevin Shoesmith