WEOBLEY HIGH SCHOOL NEWS RELEASE

Weobley High School has been placed in ‘special measures’ following its Ofsted inspection in May 2003. It is the only school in Herefordshire in this category.

The introduction of a new and much more challenging Ofsted inspection framework last September has led to a sharp increase in the number of special measures schools nationally.

The language used in the new Ofsted reports is very direct and this is reflected in the published report on Weobley High School.

Cllr Don Rule, Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member (Education) said: “The Council, as well as the school, accept that improvements are needed.

“We shall be working together to ensure that the school is ready to tackle the Ofsted criticisms vigorously, so that the school can be removed from special measures during 2005.”

Eddie Oram, Director of Education, said: “We are obviously disappointed about Ofsted’s verdict.

“Nevertheless, there is good reason to be optimistic about Weobley’s future.”

Ofsted recognised that the school is already improving under the good leadership of the new Headteacher.

Several departments are performing well and many teachers demonstrated a good standard of teaching, with only a small proportion of the observed lessons judged to be unsatisfactory.

Given the continued support of parents and the local community, and the clear sighted leadership of the Headteacher, we are confident that the school can make the rapid improvements that are needed.

We will be giving the school every possible support.