Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Ibstock Community College on 13 December 2017, following its previous judgment of good in October 2014. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, under Mr. David Phillips, has established a clear direction for the school, fostering a collaborative environment among staff who feel respected and valued. The majority of staff expressed pride in being part of the school community.
The leadership team has a solid understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, setting realistic targets for development. The governing body is well-informed and actively involved in the school’s evaluation process, ensuring a shared understanding of the school’s goals. Following a restructuring of leadership, subject leaders have taken on increased responsibilities, leading improvement initiatives that have positively impacted classroom behavior and learning.
High expectations for pupils are evident, with a common curriculum and assessment system developed in partnership with local schools. Teachers effectively assess pupil progress, leading to more aspirational targets, particularly for the most able students. As a result, pupils are making significant progress across various subjects, and parents are receiving valuable information regarding their children’s achievements.
The previous inspection highlighted the need for improved writing opportunities across subjects, particularly for boys. The school has made commendable progress in this area, with inspectors observing good examples of extended writing in subjects such as history and science. However, the use of feedback to enhance pupil work remains inconsistent, with some teachers not fully adhering to the school’s feedback policy.
The inspection also focused on the quality of teaching and its impact on pupil learning. Inspectors noted strong practices in several subjects, with evidence of significant progress in pupils’ workbooks. However, some departments need to challenge the most able pupils more effectively to ensure they reach their full potential.
Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning and exhibit courteous behavior towards peers and staff. Parents have reported strong relationships between staff and pupils, contributing to a supportive school environment. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities, particularly excelling in music, with a significant number of pupils participating in music lessons and productions.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to recognize and address various safeguarding issues. Leaders maintain thorough records and monitor pupils who may be at risk, ensuring timely support for families. The school promotes online safety, encouraging parents to engage in safeguarding initiatives.
The inspection findings indicate that leaders are not complacent and have conducted an honest review of the school’s performance. However, there is a need for sharper oversight of additional government funding, particularly for disadvantaged pupils. While overall attendance is good, there are concerns regarding the attendance of disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs. Leaders are encouraged to provide targeted support to improve attendance rates for these groups.
In summary, Ibstock Community College continues to provide a good quality of education, with effective leadership and a supportive environment for both staff and pupils. The school is making strides in various areas, although there are still challenges to address, particularly regarding the use of feedback, the progress of the most able pupils, and the attendance of disadvantaged students.
