Mixed comments for Thetford school

11 March 2010

A THETFORD high school received mixed comments in a recent letter by schools inspectorate Ofsted.

The visit by inspector Ian Seath to Rosemary Musker High found an improvement in English and maths and students with special educational needs had made good progress.

However, Mr Seath continued “standards have remained well below national averages because students enter the school with low prior attainment.”

But the school was praised for reducing pupils' absence and addressing issues by bridging the gap between GCSEs and A levels.

He went on: “Improvements in teaching and learning are clear, though not yet sufficiently strong to fully overcome the legacy of low attainment.

“Collaborative arrangements are strengthening, and are giving students a greater choice and a better curriculum. Self and peer assessments are realistic, and managers have a good understanding of the school's weaknesses with clear improvement plans to address them.

“In addition, governors have reorganised their responsibilities since the last inspection so that they are now able to increasingly challenge the school more effectively.”