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Mickleover secondary school rated Good by Ofsted inspectors

07/10/2022

Pupils are happy and safe at Murray Park Community School with teachers that care for them and have high expectations, according to Government inspectors who rated the school ‘good’ in every category.

The Mickleover secondary school was visited by Ofsted inspectors last month, who found leaders had designed an ambitious curriculum and pupils valued their education.

They reported that the school was good in all categories including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, as well as leadership and management.

Inspectors found that the teachers’ subject knowledge was secure and that they have created classrooms where pupils can focus on their learning which means that they ‘learn well in most subjects’.

Rated Good Ofsted

Headteacher Nicola Caley and pupils.

They praised safeguarding arrangements at the school which they described as effective and noted that children with special educational needs achieve good outcomes.

Headteacher Nicola Caley said: “We are absolutely delighted that the exceptional work undertaken at Murray Park is celebrated in this Ofsted report, which is full of praise for our wonderful school.

“This was a robust inspection, and every area of the school was scrutinised, but inspectors were able to see the good quality teaching being delivered in our classrooms and the exceptional behaviour of our pupils.

“The inspectors were highly complimentary and recognised all the amazing work we do to ensure we have a safe and calm site, so students can learn in an inspirational setting.

“We will continue to drive forward to greater heights in the knowledge that everything about the school is on an upward trajectory.”

Pupils told inspectors that bullying in school is rare and the report states that the ‘environment in school is respectful’. While staff were very positive about the support they received from school leaders.

The Ofsted team praised the wide range of clubs and activities available, including history club, table tennis club and football practice. And they were impressed that there are ample opportunities to visit other countries, such as Costa Rica, where they learn about different cultures and faiths.

Murray Park’s established links with companies such as Rolls-Royce and Toyota were noted and inspectors found pupils were well prepared for life beyond school with careers advice and guidance from Year 7 to Year 11. 

Head girl Kiran Nawaz said: “Since starting at this school in 2018 I have seen nothing but improvement and although this is a diverse school, I have never felt out of place.

“We are all taught that as a person you are enough and we are really proud that inspectors were impressed.”

There were just two areas for the school to improve on. Inspectors suggested teachers need to develop ways to help pupils connect and apply the knowledge they learn over time. And that both leaders and governors should better evaluate the strategies they employ to achieve the school’s improvement priorities.

 

ENDS/

For further information please contact Sarah Newton at Penguin PR on 079774 502 764 or email sarah@penguinpr.co.uk

 

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