Ofsted - we're Good!

Dear parents and carers,

I am delighted to share with you the news that Ofsted has graded Witchford Village College as “Good” across the board following their recent inspection on 24th and 25th January this year.

We are exceptionally proud of this report as it rightly recognises the diligent and sustained hard work that our staff and students put in every day. In the very first line the inspector agrees with our motto: that “Witchford is indeed a small school with big ambitions” before going on to highlight a range of excellent practice in more detail.

The inspection report recognises the significant improvements that have been made at Witchford Village College in recent years and puts particular emphasis on the work surrounding the school’s curriculum being academic, but also inclusive and accessible for all young people.

We were pleased to read that the inspectors recognised the strength of the school’s curriculum; expert-led teaching and learning; provision and support for students with special education needs; behaviour and attitudes at the college; students’ personal development and welfare; school leadership and much more.

A few highlights from the report include:

• “Pupils study a curriculum that now has higher academic expectations about what they can achieve.”
• “Pupils feel happy and safe… pupils know staff listen if they have a worry.”
• “Each subject area has ambitious curriculum plans that build up pupils’ knowledge over time.”
• “Leaders have set clear expectations for behaviour. Teachers follow these expectations consistently and pupils understand them.”
• “Pupils with special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are included. They get the support they need to access the same curriculum.”
• “Trust leaders have worked with school leaders effectively in order to further raise standards since taking on the school.”

Reading the report has made us feel very proud of our school community. I would like to thank all our fantastic teaching and support staff, as well as all the students at WVC for the work that has gone into achieving this judgement.

We are, as always, committed to striving for further improvement – this is so we can ensure that Witchford Village College remains a school that students, staff and the local community can be very proud of.

Kind regards,

Richard Auffret
Head of School