Worthing High School gets results of Ofsted inspection held days before lockdown

Inspectors visited the school in South Farm Road, Worthing, on March 10 and 11, less than two weeks before Boris Johnson addressed the nation on March 23.

Despite the added pressures, the school got another ‘good’ inspection rating, following their last grading in 2016.

Head teacher Pan Panayiotou said: “We are thrilled that Ofsted have recognised the impact the school has made and the journey it has been on.

“The report shows clearly the hard work and dedication by all staff and demonstrates the school’s core values and ethos.

“I am really pleased with the report, as it comments on our curriculum being robust and broad and this is even more so with the new Ofsted framework.

“We are determined to continue our drive so that the progress of pupils is sustained and continues to improve.”

The report recognised the ‘calm and purposeful’ atmosphere in classrooms. Inspectors Aimee Floyd and Colin Lankester said: “Pupils believe that this is a school where people smile. There is a strong sense of community, where older pupils look out for their younger peers and bullying is rare.

“One pupil said: ‘This is a very accepting school’, explaining how lessons and assemblies develop an understanding and respect for diversity.

“Rude or poor behaviour is not tolerated by anyone. This means that everyone can focus and learn.

“Pupils ask for help confidently because they recognise that their teachers want the best for them.”

The main point for improvement was regarding pupils with complex special educational needs or disabilities. The report said: “The school provides real care for these pupils and ensures that they can study the same curriculum as their friends. However, leaders recognise that more support is needed.”

The report said there was a clear plan in place to achieve this.

Tony Cohen, chairman of governors, said: “On behalf of the governing body I would like to congratulate the whole school staff who should be very proud of this report.”