24 January 2018
Dear Parent
As you are aware, Garstang Community Academy underwent a Section 8 Inspection on Tuesday 9/1/18. This was carried out by two inspectors over that one day. The report letter from this inspection is attached to this letter and, although a little short on depth and detail, fully reflects our own self-evaluation that we are still a school which is ‘Good’ in the strongest sense, and moving forwards.
The dialogue we had with the inspectors was much more interesting than the final report, and very much about how we now build upon our achievements to move the school to the heady heights of Outstanding. There are various references within the report letter which also make reference to our journey in that direction and it is very much our intention to use all the advice given to help move the school forward.
Following a similar theme, we have recently received National data which is very encouraging and suggestive of the fact that our journey is already taking shape. For instance, we are in the top 25% of schools Nationally for progress in all English Baccalaureate subjects, the top third of schools Nationally for Progress of all our students in Science and in the top 25% of schools Nationally for progress of all our students in both Modern Languages and Humanities. Additionally, for example, we are in the top 25% of schools Nationally for the progress of our most able students also in all the EBacc subjects.
My congratulations go to our School Leaders and staff (teaching and non-teaching) for all their hard work in making this school the great place it is; to our Governors for their support and direction; to our parents for all of their support which at times appears limitless; and most of all to our students who were their normal, amazing selves when the Inspectors were in school which is what we unerringly expect.
We move forwards!
Yours sincerely
Mr A Ashcroft
Principal
Ofsted Inspection Report 2018