Positive Ofsted comments for Christ the King College

Ofsted has praised Christ the King College following a remote monitoring inspection last month.

The Newport college, which is currently in ‘special measures’, has been waiting for a full inspection since March, but this has been delayed because of the Coronavirus. The remote monitoring inspection, which included a parents’ questionnaire, highlights that throughout lockdown staff have maintained a very clear structure to the school day, introduced new tracking systems and that most students were accessing remote learning.

New headteacher, Mr Kevin McDermott, said: “This is a great Ofsted report and I am very proud of the students and staff. This is a validation of the tremendous work that they have done throughout the time that they have been learning remotely and shows that the school is on a journey of continuous improvement.”

A school statement said: “Since the last inspection, leaders have introduced new subject planning for Years 7-9 in order to raise the level of challenge and build on pupils’ prior knowledge.
“An Ofsted remote monitoring inspection in February 2021 has confirmed that, despite the many challenges of the last year, leaders have introduced new subject planning for Years 7-9 in order to raise the level of challenge and build on pupils’ prior knowledge.

“The recent remote inspection at Christ the King College was carried out on February 2/3. Two inspectors, Matthew Newberry HMI and Stephen Long HMI, spent two days interviewing children, staff, governors and members of the Local Authority and Diocesan representatives.

“They also took account of the parents’ feedback through the questionnaire. They also commented that Christ the King ‘pupils trust their teachers to keep them well informed of any developments’ and that ‘the (parents) appreciate how dedicated the staff have been to support pupils during these exceptional circumstances.’

“The inspection report letter is overwhelmingly positive and no recommendations for improvement were made. This demonstrates the confidence that the inspectors have in leaders and governors and that they are working with both dioceses and the Local Authority in a partnership leading to a systematic programme of professional development for staff.
“The report letter also highlights that throughout lockdown staff have maintained a very clear structure to the school day, introduced new tracking systems and that most students were accessing remote learning.

“The inspectors also noted that governors hold leaders to account for the improvements that are taking place and that they have a good oversight of the quality of education at Christ the King College.
“The letter is a very positive affirmation of the educational provision provided at Christ the King College throughout lockdown which has arisen out of excellent curriculum planning and strong pastoral care.”