Students and staff at Solway Community School, Silloth celebrated last week after Ofsted rated the school ‘good’ following a full inspection last month, recognising the substantial improvements made since previous inspections.

In 2014 and 2016 the school was given the status ‘requires improvement’ and since then has been working to improve standards.

Inspectors described considerable improvements in the school secured by the school leadership team which deliver a “good quality education” to students. The glowing inspection report praised leaders for creating a “diverse and inclusive community that welcomes all pupils”, and noted that consequently the proportion of students choosing to attend the school is increasing.

The report notes the quality of teaching at the school is “consistently good”, teachers have strong subject knowledge and are “highly skilled” at supporting students of all abilities, as well as challenging students and their excellent relationships supporting students positive attitudes to learning. The report’s comments on children being highly motivated, with “mature attitudes” to their learning, and are “articulate and polite”.

The report records that in 2018 an “overwhelming majority of pupils made progress that was in line with pupils nationally”, and that the outcome for students show the “rapid and considerable improvements that leaders have secured in pupils’ progress.” Outcome for all students at the end of KS4, including high ability students, disadvantaged and SEND, are improving rapidly.

Executive headteacher, Judith Schafer, said: “I am delighted and proud of everyone who had contributed to the progress the school has made.

“It is excellent that Ofsted has recognised everything we are doing at Solway. All we do at our school is because we believe it is the right thing to do to move the school forward. We will continue to focus on raising standards and making sure that our students are given the best chances of success and a first class quality education.

“Just as important to us as exam results however is that we help our students mature into confident, responsible young people who will contribute to society. To hear the inspectors describing our students in such glowing terms is wonderful. Our school operates as a team.

“Everyone at school works hard every day to make sure that our students are safe, happy and reaching their potential - and this report is recognition of the fabulous staff we have at Solway.”

Chairman of Governors David Davidson echoed Mrs Schafer’s comments and noted it is clear from the report the inspectors were impressed by the work being undertaken at the school and that governors wholeheartedly welcome the ‘good’ judgment from Ofsted.