Sir is thrilled with end of term report (From Swindon Advertiser)

Good news from Ofsted as Churchfields head prepares to leave

8:30am Tuesday 12th March 2013 in News By Emma Dunn

CHURCHFIELDS Academy has impressed Ofsted inspectors in its latest report, just weeks before the headteacher leaves.

Inspectors have given the secondary school an overall grade of good, which is an improvement on the satisfactory grade it was given in 2011.

Headteacher Steve Flavin, who is leaving at the end of the month, said the result was down to the hard work of staff and students.

“I’m delighted that the inspectors have been so positive about Churchfields Academy,” he said.

“We have a great staff team here who have worked really hard and deserve their commitment to be recognised in this way.

“I am very proud of the students who attend Churchfields and was particularly pleased that the inspectors recognised the strong relationship which exists between staff and students as a special feature.

“Increasing numbers of students in Swindon are making Churchfields their first choice school and numbers are rising.

“I have had a fantastic time at Churchfields and I know that I am leaving the academy in a very strong position for the future. It is now one of the best secondary schools in Swindon.

“This report is a great way for me to sign off and it provides a strong platform for the new leadership team.”

Inspectors visited for two days at the end of February.

Sharon Kirwan, acting headteacher, said: “We’re overjoyed for Steve and for the academy. It’s great that the inspectors have given us this accolade, and I’m excited to be taking on responsibility for keeping the standards so high.

“I will make sure that Churchfields continues to deliver a first-class education which leads to excellent exam results.”

Academy chairman Paul Gregory said: “This is a fantastic achievement for everyone at Churchfields Academy. I was particularly pleased that the report recognises ‘the strong contribution’ which governors make to the leadership of the school.”

Inspectors said that to become outstanding, Churchfields needs to give students more opportunities to work together, focus marking so students can improve their work, and teachers need to make full use of the information they have on students’ achievements to plan their lessons.

They said: “The priorities of school leaders, including the governors, are strongly focused on supporting students’ achievement. As a result, students are making good progress and their levels of attainment are rising.

“The students’ good behaviour in lessons helps them to learn well.

“Much of the teaching is good and some is outstanding. Relationships between teachers and their students are strong and contribute positively to the quality of learning throughout the school.”