Bracknell

Easthampstead Park School, Bracknell is improving say inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).

Ofsted inspectors visited the Bracknell school in September and confirmed major improvements throughout the school. The report says: "This is a satisfactory and improving school with some good aspects.

"The strong leadership of the new headteacher, a newly formed senior management team and the appointment of a wide range of permanent specialist teachers have resulted in better teaching and progress in lessons throughout the school.

"Students and parents comment favourably on the improvements in behaviour, teaching and the support given to students. One parent commented that, 'The school has improved over the past nine months and I am happy that my younger son will be joining his brother at the school next year'."

In summary, the inspectors' key findings were:

- Easthampstead Park is an improving school with some good aspects.
- Students and parents comment favourably on the improvements in behaviour, teaching and the support given to students.
- The senior leadership and local authority have clearly demonstrated that the number of ineffective lessons has fallen dramatically.
- The achievements of students is satisfactory throughout the school and standards are rising.
- Students are supported adequately for their future careers and further education.
- There are many examples of good teaching and learning in the school and these good practices are now being shared and adopted by other teachers.
- A Level grades are improving and the overall achievement is satisfactory. Inspectors say the capacity for the sixth form to further improve is good.

The Ofsted report states that the school no longer requires significant improvement.

As in all Ofsted reports the inspectors make recommendations which will go towards improving all aspects of the school.

Gordon Cunningham, Headteacher of Easthampstead Park School, said: "I am thrilled to be part of the marked improvements that have taken place at Easthampstead Park School over the last year.

"Improvements at the school have resulted from a massive team effort involving staff, students, governors, the Council and local councillors working together to significantly change opportunities for young people for the better.

"I would like to thank all parties involved for the dedication and support that we have received in order to improve so significantly.

"I am so proud to be part of a school which I believe can only go from strength to strength."

Tony Eccleston, Director of Bracknell Education, Children's Services and Libraries, said: "Under the leadership of Gordon Cunningham and his senior staff Easthampstead Park School has become much more effective over the last year.

"The Council has worked closely with the school to support its improvement plan and will continue to do so.

"I am confident that we shall see the effect over the next year in pupils' results and in the school's standing in the community."

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Bracknell Education and Libraries, said: "This Ofsted report is great news for Easthampstead Park School and all of its students.

"Coming away from their notice to improve is a key step forward in the process of making this school the best that it can be.

"Everyone has worked hard to achieve this and we will continue to work closely with the school in the coming months to ensure that process continues.

"The headteacher together with his senior management team are doing an excellent job, and I have the upmost confidence in their ability to take the school forward into the future.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council