Sudents' behaviour described as outstanding (From Salisbury Journal)

Sudents' behaviour described as outstanding

6:00pm Friday 8th February 2013 in News By Miranda Robertson

THE Burgate School has received a “good” rating from Ofsted, with student behaviour singled out as “outstanding”.

Inspectors described the behaviour of the 1,002 pupils as “impeccable” and said bullying was “very rare” and dealt with “effectively”.

The report added: “Students show each other and staff respect and are determined to work hard.

“The success of the students is improving and they are now making rapid progress and achieving their true potential in almost all subjects.

“The great majority of teaching is engaging and helps students to become independent in their learning, ready for the world beyond school.

“The sixth form is good. It offers students a wide range of opportunities to develop as mature, well-rounded people.”

It added: “The good curriculum caters for all the students and provides them with opportunities beyond the school to learn and develop for their lives in the 21st century.”

However, inspectors said the school still had to make some improvements in order to be graded outstanding.

The report said: “Not enough of the teaching is outstanding.

“On occasions, students are not given enough time to think for themselves and learn how to solve problems.

“Not all students’ work is marked in a way that helps them to know exactly what to do to improve and how to stretch and challenge themselves.

“In the sixth form, information about students’ progress is not used well enough to ensure every student achieves their potential.

Headteacher David Pover, who has been in post for two years, said: “The Ofsted judgement is great to have, as it validates everything we have been recently working towards at The Burgate.

“My first two years as headteacher have been a very exciting journey and we have made huge progress. While I believe that The Burgate already provides the best local education for girls and boys, our desire to be one of the very best schools nationally continues with great enthusiasm.”

Chairman of governors Jenny Hair said: “The fact that 40 per cent of students attend from outside the catchment area is testimony to the inspirational learning environment the school provides for young people in this part of the New Forest.

“That Ofsted recognises this is, of course, very gratifying and a great tribute to the staff, pupils, parents and governors that work hard to nurture this unique community.”