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'Weak' teaching criticised at inadequate Stafford school

Weak teaching and poor results have been highlighted at a Stafford school rated inadequate by inspectors.

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Ofsted has made a raft of criticisms of King Edward VI saying too many pupils are failing to make progress with expectations too low among staff.

The school, which has more than 700 pupils, had been rated as good in some areas by inspectors in 2014 but has now slipped back again according to the education watchdog.

In the most recent report bosses at the school in Westway have come under fire for being 'over-generous' in their appraisal of tutors. One of the most significant failings was around poor results.

  • Click here to read the full Ofsted report

Inspectors, who visited in November, said: "Pupils join the school with standards in reading, writing and mathematics that are in line with or below the national average, but the proportion of all pupils who left school in 2016 with five GCSEs at grades A*–C was lower than average.

"A legacy of poor teaching and staffing difficulties had an impact on this underachievement.

"Teachers' low expectations contribute to the fact that not enough of these pupils are making the progress they should."

Summarising teaching the watchdog report added: "Teaching is too weak to improve pupils' outcomes quickly."

And inspectors also laid blame at the feet of governors for being blind to the poor standards.

They said: "Until recently, governors have not been sufficiently well informed about the quality of provision and standards at the school as a result of leaders' inaccurate evaluation of the school's effectiveness.

"They now have a better understanding of the quality of teaching and learning and its impact on pupils' progress."

Ofsted last fully inspected King Edward VI in 2014 concluding behaviour and pupil safety were 'Good' while every other key area 'Requires Improvement'.

But despite standards regressing the inspectors found several positive attributes, mainly in the category of pupil behaviour and welfare.

They said: "The school's work to promote pupils' personal development and welfare is good. The supportive culture in the school promotes pupils' well-being, including their emotional, mental and physical welfare."

While the watchdog praised headteacher Jason Christey.

The report added: "The headteacher has dealt with a number of challenging issues in school with determination and tenacity.

In response Mr Christey told the Express & Star: "

We are already working hard, with parents and pupils, to address Ofsted's recommendations and accelerate our improvements. We are confident we are now on the right track."

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