Cwmbran High School is out of special measures. A report from Estyn following a visit in October 2018 placed the school under extra scrutiny from inspectors.
The start of the pandemic in March 2020 changed how schools had to educate children with the knock-on effect on attendance and behaviour at schools across the country.
This put extra challenges on staff and pupils over the following few years to try and reach the standards set by the inspectors before the pandemic.
At last week’s full council meeting, Jason O’Brien, Torfaen Borough Council’s strategic director responsible for education, seemed to hint that the good news was on its way after telling councillors that Estyn had recently visited the school.
He said: “We are pleased with the progress and awaiting formal notification within the next two weeks.”
And today, the decision was confirmed with an announcement by Torfaen Council.
Council leader, Cllr Anthony Hunt, said: “This is welcome news and follows Estyn’s recognition of the council’s improving performance management, strategic leadership and outcomes for all our learners, particularly in secondary schools.
“I would like to thank everyone at the school and in the education service for their hard work and achieving another significant step along the road at Cwmbran High.”
Cllr Richard Clark, Torfaen’s executive member for children, families and education, said: “This is fantastic news and testament to the hard work of the whole school community and the investment made in this school.
“Inspectors have identified many tangible improvements in key areas since the core inspection and the council will now ensure that this progress continues through our continued oversight and planning for further improvements.
“Aspiration is contagious and the headteacher, supported by his leadership team has established a clear and ambitious vision for school improvement and a positive shift in the culture of the whole school. This news will raise aspirations even higher among pupils and staff.”
Cwmbran High School’s headteacher, Matthew Sims, said: “We are delighted that the hard work, dedication and commitment of our staff and pupils has led us to this point; this is the beginning of bigger and better things for our young people as we strive purposefully towards future successes.”
Chair of governors, John Healy, said: “Our newly established governing body are thrilled that Estyn has recognised the significant progress that the school has made and we are particularly proud of how everybody has pulled together and raised standards.”
Click here to read the report on Estyn’s website.
The announcement said that inspectors noted:
- Improvement in the standard of pupils’ skills, particularly their writing, and numeracy.
- Pupils are challenged well by their teachers to make strong progress in their learning.
- Strengthened pastoral leadership which has improved pupils’ behaviour, engagement in lessons and attendance.
- The school’s focus on improving pupils’ skills, resilience and perseverance in their learning.
- A culture of and enjoyment in reading and developing pupils’ vocabulary.
- A focus on improving the pupils’ numeracy skills and improvement in the the teaching of mathematics.
- A clear focus on improving teaching with teachers benefiting from a broad range of professional learning.
- Teachers’ increasingly high expectations of their pupils with carefully structured lessons that secure a good pace of learning.
- A clear and ambitious vision for school improvement and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- The newly established governing body provides valuable support and suitable levels of challenge to senior leaders.
- Governors are becoming increasingly effective in holding leaders to account, particularly in relation to the school’s improvement priorities.