A Powys secondary school has been taken out of special measures by Estyn after making improvements across the board during the pandemic.
Newtow n High School, which has more than 1,000 pupils aged 11 to 18, was put under the highest level of the inspectorate’s monitoring in 2018. Concerns highlighted at that time included bullying, standards, attendance and fixed term exclusions.
Removing the school from special measures Estyn said it had made good progress in all areas.
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Head teacher Rob Edwards welcomed the move but said there was still work to be done.
"Since March 2020, the school has faced exceptional challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. These include national lockdowns, distance learning protocols and staff and pupil absence.
"I am especially proud that Estyn have recognised the improvement journey we are on and have seen how, despite the challenges of the last 20 months and the additional difficulties caused by Covid-19, the school has taken significant steps forward.
“Despite the challenges of the last 20 months and the additional difficulties caused by Covid-19, the school has taken significant steps forward,” he said.
In its report Estyn noted that the school, which has split sites in Newtown and Presteigne, had worked with Race Council Cymru and North Wales Regional Equality Network to develop equality and diversity work.
“This has raised awareness of issues that may lead to bullying incidences,” Estyn said.
“In addition, pastoral leaders have led a comprehensive series of assemblies highlighting a strong anti bullying message. They have implemented an effective poster campaign and worthwhile discussions around related topics, for example hate crime.”
The school’s last core inspection took place in May 2015 when inspectors found the school to be adequate but after a monitoring visit in February 2018 they concluded that the school had made insufficient progress and put it into special measures.
Since then it has raised standards, improved strengthened teaching and learning, increased attendance and improved how it handles poor behaviour, Estyn’s latest report said.
Most pupils now engage positively in learning during lessons and most pupils now report feeling that any incidents of bullying are dealt with effectively.
Responding to the news Headteacher Rob Edwards added: “All at Newtown High School are delighted with the outcome of the recent Estyn visit.
“The report recognises the strong progress made at the school and this is due to the hard work of everyone in the Newtown High School community at both Newtown and John Beddoes.
“The school would like to thank the Local Authority and (school improvement consortia) ERW for the support they have provided during this process.
“The aim now is to build on this report and to continue to improve. We will not be complacent. There are areas for development that we need to address as we aim to become a consistently good school”.
Jo Banks, Chair of Governors said the school has “faced up to difficult challenges”.
Adam Jones, teacher and head of Year 9, who was head boy when the school was judged adequate in 2015, said: “Improvements in teaching and learning, tackling behaviour and leadership are evident in the school today and mean pupils and parents can have real confidence in the school. As a local boy and ex-student, I am extremely proud of both the students and staff.”
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