Worthing school disappointed with Ofsted report

Downsbrook Middle School, in Dominion Road, underwent a two-day inspection in July and the findings, which were published on September 9, saw its rating drop from ‘good’ to ‘requires improvement’.

After receiving a report from the team of inspectors, led by Richard Blackmore, headteacher Jonathan Grover acknowledged the issues raised and said they were already on the school’s radar.

They included the need to improve pupils’ achievement as too few were making good progress; to improve the quality of teaching; to ensure teachers had the highest expectations of what pupils could achieve; and to ensure the pupils received feedback on how to improve their work.

A statement from the school said: “Whilst we were very disappointed by the inspection result, we were not surprised by the findings, as the school had identified the same issues and had already made clear plans to improve pupil progress and achievement.

“The school will continue to address these issues robustly over the coming year.”

When it came to maths, Mr Blackmore noted not all teachers had a strong enough knowledge of the subject, meaning pupils were not making as much progress as they could.

Mr Grover and his team said work was ongoing to ensure all teachers at Downsbrook achieved the high standards seen by the inspectors in some lessons.

While addressing the weaknesses in the report, the school was delighted with the strengths, which included the attitude and behaviour of the pupils, the decisive action already taken to improve standards; and the promotion of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

A statement issued by the school said: “As we begin a new chapter in Worthing’s education, the headteacher, staff and governors of Downsbrook Primary School welcome the opportunity to put effective new plans in place to improve pupil progress and achievement and to develop a rigorous monitoring programme to ensure every pupil is encouraged to take an active role in their own learning.”

Mr Grover added: “The staff and governors have already put into place actions to improve, and all are committed to improving Downsbrook Primary School and we are grateful for the continuing support of the parents.”

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