PUPILS and staff at Birchwood Community High School have reason to celebrate this term after improving on their Ofsted inspection.

Four inspectors visited the school on October 10 and 11 and rated the school as 'good' which is a rating higher than its last 'requires improvement' assessment.

Almost all teaching in the school is now good and leaders were recognised for their use of appraisal, monitoring and training opportunities to 'remedy the weaknesses in teaching which inspectors identified during the last inspection'.

Inspectors praised the school for improving on its GCSE results, stating, 'for several years, pupils did not reach their full potential at GCSE.

"However, in 2018 most of those who attended the school for the whole of years 10 and 11 achieved results broadly in

line with similar pupils across the country."

The quality of middle leadership has improved considerably since the last inspection and strong middle leaders, both pastoral and academic were praised for their significant role in the improvements in teaching, behaviour and pupils’ progress.

To improve further, the school was advised to increase the rate at which the attendance and progress of disadvantaged pupils improve at key stage four by ensuring that actions and spending are more closely linked to pupils’ specific barriers to learning.

And to continue with plans to refocus the sixth form and ensure its long-term viability.

Head teacher, Moira Bryan, said: “I am delighted that Ofsted have recognised the excellent provision for our students at Birchwood Community High School.

"The dedication of our staff and governors, working alongside parents and carers, makes Birchwood a happy and caring school.

"Our students in school and college can achieve their full potential academically and have opportunities to flourish and as to develop as confident and independent individuals. We are very proud of the school which is at the heart of our community.”