Quotes from Ofsted

Ofsted Inspection Report 2007

The most recent full inspection of NLS took place in November 2007, and we were very pleased that the Ofsted Inspectors noted the many excellent aspects of the school:

"As a result of energetic and determined leadership, a new 'state of the art' school is being constructed. All members of the school community are excited by the longer-term vision this represents."

"The school welcomes all and ensures that groups of learners, regardless of their background, make good progress in their personal development."

"The good quality of care and guidance provided by the school has a strong impact on pupils' personal development…Many parents and pupils feel that staff are willing to 'go the extra mile' to provide support and opportunities for pupils…Systems to ensure pupils work in a safe environment are good, resulting in them feeling safe and secure."

"The school is collaborating with a wide range of partners and this has clearly brought benefits, particularly in terms of the quality of care and in promoting personal development."

"Pupils enjoy being at school, and relationships between staff and pupils are good…Large numbers of pupils are involved in after-school clubs and enrichment activities."

"The spiritual, moral and social development of pupils is good…There is good cultural awareness, and the school is a harmonious multi-racial community."

"Pupils positively contribute to the life of the school and to the wider community and through this develop important skills for life beyond school. They have commendably positive attitudes towards learning and the diversity that is an important part of the character of their school."

"Members of the school community very much enjoy the opportunities associated with the school's arts college status."

"The curriculum is good, primarily because arts college status has led to a broadening of the experiences offered, and the recent developments to cater more for the full ability range at Key Stage 4 and beyond have been effective."

"The specific provision for pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and those with English as an additional language is good as it builds their confidence and helps them to integrate well."

Equally, we recognize that we can develop the school further by addressing the three specific issues raised by the Inspectors for improvement:

• Ensure the good practice identified through the senior leaders' monitoring and evaluation of teaching and
learning is implemented consistently across the school to improve pupils' progress and attainment
• Improve the tracking of pupils' progress so it promotes good achievement
• Improve lessons by ensuring all teaching matches the different abilities and needs of learners, particularly
in Key Stage 3

Our whole-school development for 2008-2011 is constructed entirely around these issues as priorities.

David Hazeldine
Headteacher