A Welwyn Garden City school has received a 'requires improvement' Ofsted rating following a routine inspection earlier this year. 

During Ridgeway Academy's inspection in January, inspectors discussed the impact of the pandemic with leaders and have taken that into account in their evaluation of the school.

The report, published on March 9, said: "Not all teachers deliver the curriculum consistently well.

"This is because there is inconsistency in how well teachers assess what pupils know and then adapt their teaching to help pupils remember important subject knowledge.

"This is also the case in the Sixth Form. Over time, this has led to pupils not having a secure enough understanding or producing work of high enough quality. This has resulted in pupils in key stage four underachieving."

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The report also stated that leaders are ambitious for pupils with SEND, who have their needs accurately identified and they ensure that strategies to support these needs are clearly recorded in learning plans so that pupils with SEND can access the same curriculum.

However, although parent views are sought, they are not recorded explicitly enough. Some teachers do not consistently follow these plans, so learning is not always adapted successfully.

The report also talked about a new system introduced for managing behaviour, which is now much clearer to pupils. This has helped to ensure that lessons are largely free of disruption.

However, the report criticised a small number of staff for not implementing the new system consistently and because leaders do not always record or analyse low-level behaviour issues precisely enough.

                                                                                                        

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On a more positive note, the report noted a coherent and well-planned programme of careers education from Year 7 to Year 13. This is enhanced by specific career days and work experience placements.

The report added: "The trust has supported leaders effectively to make improvements. Leaders have suitable plans in place to ensure that this trajectory of improvement continues."

Headteacher Sarah Mitcherson said: "We are pleased that Ofsted Inspectors recognise the journey we are on in improving Ridgeway Academy. 

"Whilst we are disappointed with the ‘requires improvement’ rating following our recent Ofsted inspection; we are confident that we are on the right path to bringing positive and rapid change. 

"The report gives the school key areas on which to focus in order to achieve a ‘good’ grading at our next inspection. These are already key priorities in our School Improvement Plan.

"We are delighted with the 'good' grading for personal development and this reflects the excellent work and progress already achieved in this area.

"We appreciate the continued support of parents, carers and the wider school community as we work together to improve our school and ensure ‘Everybody can Achieve’."

The full report can be found at reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/23/146305