Inspectors praise high standards at King Henry VIII School

Inspectors who visited King Henry VIII School, Abergavenny from 18th to 22nd April 2005 have praised the high standards achieved by its pupils and teachers. They found that pupils at key stage 3 'had made significant progress' since the last inspection in 1999. In national curriculum tests, they found that 'the proportion of pupils achieving the expected level or higher in all three core subjects is well above national averages'. GCSE results for pupils gaining 5 or more passes 'are above the national average' and largely in line with the ability level of the pupils. In the sixth form students 'generally achieve high standards' with inspectors concluding that 1 in 4 lessons had features, which were 'outstanding'. Inspectors noted that the trend in performance is 'strongly upwards' with 'large numbers gaining passes at the highest grades'.

An independent team of inspectors led by Mr Trevor Guy undertook the inspection. The team was required to report on the standards achieved by pupils, the quality of education provided by the school, the quality of leadership and management, and the contribution made by the school to its pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. In the course of the week, inspectors watched every member of staff teach and focused in greater depth on the work undertaken in the following subject areas: English, science, Welsh, art, music and ICT.

Headteacher Gareth Barker said that, 'We are pleased that inspectors have identified there has been good progress in pupils' standards of achievement. It is also satisfying to see that they think our pupils 'work hard in lessons, readily join in the range of activities provided and show enthusiasm for their work'. Our teachers also deserve considerable praise as inspectors found that in 66% of lessons teaching is good with no important shortcomings – this figure greatly exceeds the national target of 50%.'

Inspectors concluded that 'In key stages 3 and 4, classroom organisation and relationships are often good and some of the teaching is outstanding'. In the sixth form standards were found to be even higher with 'outstanding features in the teaching in 1 in 5 lessons.'

Care and Support

Inspectors judged that the quality of care, support and guidance provided to pupils was 'good with outstanding features'. In particular, they praised the outstanding arrangements 'for a smooth transition of pupils from primary school', which mean that 'pupils settle happily and successfully into year 7'. Inspectors praised parents, who are 'supportive of the school and feel they can approach staff with problems'. The school also has 'good systems in place for monitoring attendance, punctuality and behaviour' and has developed a 'well structured, relevant and stimulating PSE programme'. The work of the 'form, year and full school councils is outstanding' as is the support for pupils with 'a range of special needs', who 'make good progress and achieve good standards'.

The Curriculum

Inspectors found that King Henry VIII School 'meets requirements for the curriculum in key stages 3 and 4.' It also offers 'A very broad range of AS and A level courses... plus a small number of vocational courses'.

Pupils learning experiences at King Henry VIII 'are enriched through the broad range of extra-curricular activities offered by the school. High standards are achieved in many of these activities, particularly sport and music'. The inspection team reported that the school 'actively promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development in a variety of ways.' As a consequence, pupils have a good understanding of moral issues' but their spiritual development is more limited even though 'it is promoted in assemblies and in some lessons'.

Leadership and Management

Inspectors praised the leadership provided by the headteacher and governors. They reported that 'the headteacher has been instrumental in driving forward coherent policies to raise standards and in bringing greater consistency to the implementation of policy. His commitment, pragmatism and attention to detail have been significant in moving the school forward.' They also concluded that 'the governing body is very well informed' and 'exercise their responsibilities with care. They place a strong emphasis on raising standards and are active in seeking the resources to achieve this aim'.

Inspectors also praised the support staff 'who contribute to the efficient running of the school' and pointed out that 'in most areas of the curriculum, pupils have access to a good range of appropriate learning resources'. They thought 'The school is clean and well maintained and has been upgraded through a staged programme of refurbishments and health and safety improvements'.

Although faced with falling rolls in the Abergavenny area, inspectors judged that 'the deputy headteacher and the finance committee manage the budget effectively and efficiently'. The inspectors also applauded the work of the School Improvement Group, which 'has contributed significantly to the professional development of many teachers and to improving the quality of teaching and learning'.

In order to build on the clear progress made since the previous inspection the inspection team recommended that the school should:

R1: continue to promote and extend the good work of the School Improvement Group;

R2: raise standards in subjects where there is underachievement, especially in art at key stage 4;

R3: improve learners' key skills further and make the use of key skills more effective across the curriculum;

R4: bring greater consistency and rigour to assessment processes;

R5: develop further the roles and skills of middle managers;

R6: meet statutory requirements by providing religious education for students in the Sixth Form and establishing home-school agreements.

The inspectors also noted that the school already has plans in hand to address most of these recommendations.

Headteacher, Gareth Barker said 'The Governors and staff of the school welcome the report and its findings. We appreciate the insights it contains and acknowledge the contribution the process will make to our plans to improve our school'.

Copies of the summary report have been distributed to all parents at the school. A copy of the full report can be obtained by clicking the link below.

Download Full Report

KHS Inspection Report - April 2005
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