Ofsted inspectors call for improvements at Soham Village College
Soham Village College - Credit: Archant
Soham Village College has become the latest school in East Cambridgeshire to fall foul of Ofsted inspectors, with a report published this week calling for an improvement in the quality of teaching.
The inspection team said that the standard of teaching was “inconsistent” and that a minority of staff “did not plan lessons that engage all students in their learning”.
Government inspectors did, however, praise the quality of leadership and the behaviour and attitudes of students at the college, with both areas rates as good.
They said leadership at all levels – including middle managers and governors – was highly committed and ambitious.
But, overall, inspectors said the school was in need of improvement to ensure pupils achieved their full potential.
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Lead inspector, Jalil Shaikh said: “Teaching is not good because recent improvements have not had enough time to impact fully on speeding up rates of students’ progress.
“A minority of teachers do not plan lessons that engage all students in their learning because tasks are not matched well enough to students’ abilities.”
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The report comes just months after Witchford Village College was rated as ‘requiring improvement’ and Ely College was plunged into special measures after a damning inspection.
Principal Carin Taylor said: “I am pleased that Ofsted recognised the improvements which have taken place since the last inspection.
“I pay tribute to the staff and their continuing commitment to raising standards, and to the students, who were rightly praised by the inspectors for their good behaviour and attitudes to work.
“Leadership at all levels, including governors, remains highly committed and ambitious for our students. We will work together to create a new action plan to ensure that we are above national average on every measure.”
Chairman of governors Nicola Close said: “This report has picked up on many of Soham Village College’s strengths and has highlighted the successful leadership and management that makes us an improving school.
“Whilst the overall judgement is disappointing, I am proud to be part of the team that continues to strive for excellence with care.”
