Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Ivanhoe College in Ashby-de-la-Zouch on 4 October 2018, with the findings indicating that the school continues to maintain a good standard of education since its last inspection in March 2014. The leadership team, under the guidance of Executive Principal Anne-Marie Blewitt, has demonstrated strong and confident leadership, fostering a clear sense of direction. The leadership is effectively supported by the head of school and senior leaders, which has allowed for the recent assumption of the executive principal role for both Ivanhoe College and Ibstock College. The school’s vision of a journey to excellence is shared by both pupils and staff, who express pride in their association with the institution.
The leadership team promotes high expectations and is proactive in addressing issues as they arise. Recent revisions to the school’s behaviour policy, including the introduction of the Ivanhoe Way, have positively impacted pupil behaviour, with students reporting improvements in consistency among teachers in managing behaviour. The overall atmosphere in the school is one of courtesy and politeness, with pupils displaying good attitudes towards learning and actively participating in classroom activities.
Parents and carers generally express positive views about the school, particularly regarding the support provided by staff. While most parents feel well-informed, a minority have raised concerns about communication, which the school is actively working to improve through various channels. Governance at the school is strong, with governors demonstrating a commitment to their roles and effectively challenging and supporting school leaders.
The inspection highlighted the need for continued focus on improving the quality of teaching, particularly in the areas of questioning and helping pupils understand how to enhance their work. The leadership team has been effective in supporting teachers through professional development, leading to improvements in teaching practices. However, there remains a challenge in ensuring that disadvantaged pupils, particularly the most able among them, achieve at the same level as their peers. The school has identified this as a priority and is implementing strategies to address barriers to achievement, although attendance and exclusion rates for disadvantaged pupils remain areas of concern.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong culture of safety established within the school. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding responsibilities, and pupils feel safe and supported. The school has made efforts to address the needs of vulnerable pupils, but attendance issues persist, particularly among disadvantaged students. The leadership team is aware of these challenges and is working to improve attendance rates.
Overall, the inspection findings indicate that Ivanhoe College is committed to providing a high-quality education and is making strides towards continuous improvement. The leadership team is encouraged to evaluate the impact of pupil premium funding more thoroughly and to implement strategies that will enhance the attainment and attendance of disadvantaged pupils while reducing exclusion rates. The school’s focus on teaching quality, pupil support, and community engagement positions it well for future success.
