Ofsted has reported evidence of "significant improvements" at Haydon Bridge High School in Northumberland, which was placed in special measures earlier this year. A monitoring visit was conducted to assess progress following a damning inspection in January.
The news came amid strike action from unions over poor pupil behaviour and a lack of action from senior leadership. Since then, there has been significant change in the school's top team, with the former headteacher departing.
Leadership changes and partnership
Through the school's partnership with Cumbria Education Trust, supported by the Department for Education's RISE programme and Northumberland County Council, Kath Pigdon has represented Haydon Bridge as Executive Headteacher since April, with Tom Priddle joining as Head of School in September.
Ofsted has now reported that pupil behaviour "has significantly improved" and that relationships between staff and pupils are now "respectful". In addition, suspensions have fallen significantly, staff and pupils are reported to consistently say behaviour is "better than it was", and staff are "encouraged" by the direction the school is now taking.
Progress and next steps
The school remains in special measures, but leaders are confident the school is now moving in the right direction. Kath Pigdon, Executive Headteacher, said: "The findings of our latest Ofsted report are a welcome validation of the progress our school community has made and the difference that collective effort is having on the lives of our young people at Haydon Bridge. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved through the shared ambition of our staff, students and families, supported by our colleagues across Cumbria Education Trust and Northumberland County Council.
"While we are proud of how far we have come, we are equally excited about the next stage of our journey and remain committed to building on this success to provide an even better educational experience for the children and young people we serve."
Governance and community support
An interim executive board (IEB) was also appointed by the council in April to lead the school. Dr Bill Snaith, IEB Chair, added: "The IEB is very pleased that inspectors have recognised both the pace and scale of improvement and the strength of governance.
"There is more to do, and we will continue to hold leaders to account while supporting them to deliver for every pupil and the community."
The monitoring inspection took place on July 14. Pupils described the school "happier and a more positive place to be", and a new approach to attendance is having a positive impact on both overall and persistent absence, and safeguarding standards are met. The report goes on to state that the Interim Executive Board, appointed by Northumberland County Council, challenges and supports leaders effectively.
Coun Guy Renner-Thompson, cabinet member for education at the council, said: "We're pleased. Considering where the school was not that long ago, it just shows what the council can achieve.
"The Government are talking about giving councils more power over academies, and we're a good example of how that can work. We have been through a journey with the school and we have had issues with it, but we have managed to work through that.
"It's not over yet, there is still a lot of work to do - but we're not abandoning the school. It's much needed in West Northumberland.
"Credit to the Rise Programme and our partner from Cumbria that have been helping us. They have done a good job."
