Matravers’ head oversees first ‘Good’ Ofsted report

Headteacher Dr Simon Riding celebrates the results with pupils.

MATRAVERS School recently received a ‘Good’ Ofsted score for the first time, following an inspection earlier this year, in which the hard work of the headteacher, staff, pupils, and governors was commended.

A report published earlier this month awarded Matravers ‘Good’ scores across the board, and heaped praised on Dr Simon Riding’s “outstanding leadership”, the quality of teaching throughout the school, and on students’ behaviour and progress.

The report said, “The headteacher’s outstanding leadership is driving forward the very rapid improvements in the school. He has provided a clear framework for improvement that is now fully understood and applied by all senior leaders and underpins everything the school now does.

“A range of highly effective strategies have already improved the quality of teaching and raised students’ achievement.

“The school’s outstanding curriculum, including in the sixth form, is matched extremely well to the needs of individual and groups of students. It underpins improvements in students’ attendance, attitudes to school and achievement.”

Matravers School is delighted with the result.

Dr Riding said, “This report reflects exactly how far Matravers has progressed in a very short period of time. The students are exceptional and possess the drive and desire to continue to deliver “outstanding” performance in all that they do.

“It is a privilege to be their headteacher. We look forward to welcoming Ofsted again, hopefully next year, to secure our full “outstanding” judgement.”

The school is the Westbury area’s only secondary school and serves pupils from across the town and surrounding villages. Previously, the school received a grading of ‘Satisfactory’ in 2007 and 2010, and ‘Requires Improvement’ in 2013.

Headteacher Simon Riding took up his role in 2013.

Guy Davies, chair of governors commented, “The Board of Governors is pleased to note that the report recognises the rapid progress made by the school since it was last inspected in February 2013.

“That things have moved so far and so fast is tribute to the outstanding leadership of our headteacher, Dr. Riding, and the hard work of our dedicated staff and remarkable students. Together we will continue to do all we can to ensure that Matravers is recognised as a truly outstanding school at the heart of the Westbury community.”

Approximately 20% of students at Matravers have special educational needs or are disabled – above the national average. Ofsted regarded those students’ progress to be ‘outstanding’.

Students across the school were described as “very polite and courteous and their pride in their school is evidenced by the lack of litter and the new uniform.

“Students behave consistently well in lessons. They are keen to learn and want to meet the challenging targets set for their achievement.

“The school is very inclusive and students talk about feeling part of a family. This helps them to mix well and be supportive of each other.”

Ofsted’s report confirms an extra unannounced visit by two of Her Majesty’s Inspectors to gather additional information, interview staff,  and confirm that the inspection was complete.

The full Ofsted report can be read at www.reports.ofsted.gov.uk