Colne Park High School and Apex Collaborative Trust acknowledges challenges following Ofsted inspection
Colne Park High School and Apex Collaborative Trust have welcomed the findings of a recent Ofsted inspection, while acknowledging the need for further improvements in teaching and student outcomes.
The inspection report praised several aspects of life at Colne Park High School, highlighting that pupils are “proud to attend” the school and “feel safe and well-cared for”.
Inspectors commended the school's strong pastoral provision, describing relationships between staff and students as “warm and positive” and noting that pastoral support is “highly effective”.
The report also recognised significant improvements in behaviour, stating that leaders’ actions have been “highly impactful” and have contributed to “calm and purposeful” classrooms across the school.
However, school leaders have accepted that there is more work to do to improve academic outcomes and ensure greater consistency in teaching. A comprehensive improvement plan is already in place, focusing on strengthening classroom practice, addressing gaps in learning and raising achievement for all students.
Apex Collaborative Trust has confirmed it is providing additional leadership support and expertise to accelerate progress and secure rapid improvement.
Headteacher Cathy Eulert said: “We are pleased that Ofsted has recognised the strength of the work we have prioritised in recent years, particularly in behaviour, safeguarding, attendance, personal development and inclusion. These improvements have made a real difference to the daily experience of our students.
“At the same time, we fully acknowledge the need to secure greater consistency in teaching and to raise overall levels of achievement. This will be our relentless focus moving forward, as we work with Apex Collaborative Trust to build on our strengths and ensure every student achieves their very best.”
John Tarbox, chief executive officer of Apex Collaborative Trust, said he was encouraged that Ofsted had recognised the quality of provision in key priority areas.
He said: “I am assured that Ofsted recognise the quality of provision in areas that leaders have prioritised in recent years. These include behaviour, attendance, safeguarding, personal development and inclusion.
“I fully acknowledge the need for leaders to drive the consistency of provision in the classroom and raise overall levels of achievement. Trust leaders will focus relentlessly on these things in the next phase of Park’s development.”
The full Ofsted inspection report is available to view on the school’s website.