Witton Middle School, located in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on the 26th and 27th of September 2023, marking the school's first routine inspection since the COVID-19 pandemic. The headteacher, Suzie Bourne, leads the school, which is part of The Spire Church of England Learning Trust. The trust is overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Rosemary Shorter, with Geraint Roberts serving as the chief executive officer.
The inspection report indicates that leaders have made significant strides in transforming the educational provision at Witton Middle School. The school maintains high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Parents express strong support for the school's initiatives, and students report feeling a sense of belonging and enjoyment in their learning environment. The school promotes values such as collaboration, curiosity, and personal growth, contributing to a positive atmosphere.
Pupils exhibit good behavior during lessons and throughout the school day, adhering to the established rules of being ready, responsible, respectful, and safe. They are motivated to earn merit points and appreciate the rewards associated with their achievements. The school has effective measures in place to address any instances of bullying, ensuring that students feel secure and supported.
Witton Middle School offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including sports, choir, yoga, and cookery, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to participate regardless of their background. This inclusivity is a key aspect of the school's ethos.
The quality of education has improved significantly, with a more ambitious curriculum that is carefully sequenced to enhance student learning. Most pupils are successfully acquiring knowledge, leading to notable improvements in their achievements. However, there are instances where the checking of pupils' understanding could be more precise, which occasionally results in less effective learning experiences. Students with special educational needs receive appropriate support, allowing them to make good progress.
Reading support is provided for pupils who require additional help, including targeted phonics instruction. While many students are developing fluency in reading, there are opportunities for improvement in the consistency and focus of phonics teaching, which could enhance the progress of some pupils. The school emphasizes reading through dedicated lessons that effectively develop comprehension and vocabulary skills.
The school community is described as warm and welcoming, with clear routines that foster respectful interactions among pupils. Students are taught about relationships, health, and cultural diversity in an age-appropriate manner, promoting tolerance and understanding. Leadership opportunities are available for pupils, including roles in the school council and as anti-bullying ambassadors, which help them learn about responsibility and civic engagement.
Leaders have worked diligently to enhance the school's provision, with expert staff from the trust providing support for leadership development. Staff members appreciate the efforts made to consider their workload and engage them in the improvement process. Parents are highly supportive of the changes implemented, valuing the communication between the school and home.
The inspection concluded that the arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring that pupils' welfare is prioritized. However, the report identifies areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring consistent high-quality phonics teaching and accurate assessment of pupils' understanding. Addressing these areas will further enhance the educational experience at Witton Middle School, enabling all pupils to achieve their full potential.
