Staff and pupils at Frome College have been celebrating after a recent Ofsted inspection found that the college “continues to be a good school”, with the inspector praising the wide-ranging curriculum on offer as well as the support for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Emma Reynolds, principal of Frome College, said, “Our judgment in all areas continues to be good; we have many positives highlighted in the inspection report: our wide-ranging curriculum, celebration of reading, accurate support for students with SEND, personal development education and careers. Sixth form expectations are high, with students well supported and well prepared for adult life when they leave college.
“We are proud that many students spoke to the inspectors about the support received from staff and the many opportunities available to all year groups. Student leadership is clearly a strength and recognised by Ofsted both in terms of the student leadership team but also our anti bullying ambassadors. I am also delighted to announce that our head of performing arts, Mr Hampson, has won the England, Secondary School category of the Anti-Bullying School Staff Awards.
“Finally, we take on board the recommendations to work with feeder schools in finer detail to embed an ambitious curriculum for Year 9. We also continue to work towards greater consistency across all students in terms of their attitude and commitment to learning. May I thank all colleagues, governors and parents who were involved in the inspection and for your on-going support.”
The report highlighted that, “Pupils enjoy being part of Frome Community College. Pupils are safe and have trusted adults to speak to if they have concerns. Pupils have many opportunities to nurture their talents and interests, for example, pupils and students in the sixth form take part in regular drama productions and musical showcases. Pupils are enthusiastic to be members of the student council, working with staff to make the school better.
“Most pupils behave well. Low-level disruption is not tolerated, which means learning is rarely interrupted. When the school sets high expectations for pupils, they rise to meet those standards. This is particularly evident in the sixth form. However, expectations of pupils are not consistently high. For example, lateness to lessons is not always challenged, so a few pupils do not show an urgency to begin lessons.
“Bullying does happen on occasion, and pupils do report concerns to adults. The school is now proactively working to reduce incidents of bullying. For example, the school is training anti-bullying pupil ambassadors to act as role models to others. Pupils are proud to hold these leadership roles.”
Ofsted outlined the next steps for the school which the school says are already being addressed.
You can read the Ofsted report in full on the school’s website.
