Positive end to a tough year for Matlock school

The end may be in sight for a school that has suffered a turbulent year as an education watchdog has noted significant improvements.
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NEWS: News.

A recent inspection by an Ofsted inspector has found that St Giles School, in Matlock, is well on its way out of special measures.

The Government stepped in after a damning Ofsted report was published in September last year stating the school’s performance was inadequate in every respect, apart from the behaviour and safety of pupils.

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Further controversy followed when long–standing head teacher, Rev Julie Stanton, was removed from her post after parents with concerns over their children’s education handed in a petition to Ofsted calling for her to leave.

In the recent monitoring report, inspector Dorothy Bathgate stated: “The school is making reasonable progress towards the removal of special measures.”

She added that St Giles would now be able to appoint newly qualified teachers.

After Rev Stanton’s removal, acting head teacher Mrs Jackie Micklethwaite was appointed.

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Mrs Bathgate said: “Pupils’ progress in key stages one and two is accelerating because the quality of teaching is improving.

“As a result the overall standards pupils are achieving in reading, writing and mathematics are in line with, or above, those expected for their age.”

She added however that not enough pupils are currently working at higher levels due to their prior underachievement.

“The quality of teaching is improving and this is underpinning the improving progress of different groups of pupils,” she continued.

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Teachers are working hard and with success to improve their teaching. They have tidied classrooms and are using new, high–quality resources.”

A spokesman for Derbyshire County Council said: “We’re pleased that Ofsted inspectors have recognised the progress that has been made. We will continue to support the staff and governors as they work towards improving standards further.”