School in poor area 'thriving'

Jun 30 2006

A SCHOOL which serves a "socially disadvantaged" area has received a glowing report from Ofsted.

Our Lady and St Chad Catholic Sports College, in Old Fallings Lane, Low Hill, Wolverhampton, which caters for 786 pupils aged 11 to 18, is described as a good school with outstanding features in the report compiled by Ofsted inspector David Martin.

Mr Martin, who visited the school on May 23, gave it a Grade 2 "good" rating.

He said student standards were below average on entry, particularly in literacy, but had improved almost to the national average by the time they came to leave.

"Teaching is mainly good and sometimes outstanding," said the inspector.

"The great majority of lessons are well planned, imaginative and actively involve students in their own learning. This results in interested, motivated students who enjoy learning and smile a lot."

Mr Martin said the leadership of staff, effective care and guidance, good teaching and curriculum development had led to improvements in performance.