Staff, pupils and parents can start the summer break with a spring in their step after the government’s education watchdog, Ofsted praised West Exe School, grading the school ‘Good’ following the first Ofsted since joining the Ted Wragg Trust in 2017.

Rating the school, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, as ‘Good’ in every category, the inspectors praised all school staff and leaders throughout the report, noting:

• ‘There are high expectations and leaders are ambitious for pupils
• ‘Leaders have created an ambitious and challenging curriculum’
• ‘Mental health and wellbeing of pupils is a priority’.

The report which covered everything from the quality of education and how the School is led, to managing pupils’ behaviour and attitudes, and their personal development, reported that:

• ‘Pupils are polite and respectful’, pupils are proud of their work’
• ’Parts of the curriculum have led the way, in a trust-wide common approach’
• ‘All subjects are mapped out coherently across five years’ Teachers model learning effectively and plan for pupils to revisit the knowledge they need’, said the report.

The inspectors added:

• ‘Pupils feel safe in school. When bullying happens, it is reported and dealt with. Pupils learn about respectful behaviour and healthy relationships. They know who to speak to if they are seeking advice and support. Pupils feel very well informed about looking after their mental health.’

And, say the inspectors:

• ‘The values of “community, opportunity and success” are evident throughout the culture of the school. There are high expectations and leaders are ambitious for pupils. This means pupils are ready for their learning and routines are well established.’

Headteacher, Julie Fossey, said, ‘We are so proud to celebrate this report, which reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone in the West Exe community.  The report reflects the journey we have been on as a school, and highlights the very best of West Exe, not just academically, but pastorally and socially too.  It is just another step on the road to being a truly great school.’

Moira Marder, Chief Executive Officer of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: ‘This outcome is a wonderful recognition for the hard work and ambition West Exe School has for its superb students and staff. The report highlighted their ‘community, opportunity and success’ with Ofsted noting that they ‘have created an ambitious and challenging curriculum for all pupils’ and that ‘pupils have a broad range of opportunities through the electives programme’.  It is excellent that all the hard work and dedication of the staff who offer these opportunities has been recognised.”  

Further highlights of the report include:

• Staff are knowledgeable and diligent in their duty. 
• Pupils enjoy the many opportunities for pupil leadership, such as being a member of the school parliament, a sports leader or a pupil mentor.
• Reading is at the heart of the curriculum. Teachers make sure pupils read a wide range of literature.

The inspection took place over two days on 7 and 8 June. This was the first Ofsted inspection the School, which has 1152 pupils from years 7 – 11, had received since joining the Ted Wragg Trust. The Ted Wragg Trust is an ambitious and inclusive Trust of schools strengthening our communities through excellent