Ice cream all round at Marshland High School after Ofsted inspection

A carefully considered curriculum, supportive staff and a calm, safe environment all contribute to pupils' enjoyment of a West Norfolk School, says a recent Ofsted report.

Marshland High School, West Walton, has retained its ‘good’ school status after the May inspection - and it was ice cream all round by way of celebration.

Craig Jansen, headteacher, said: "Our progress measures and consistently strong GCSE outcomes are a testament to our dedication to academic excellence. As one of the highest-achieving schools in West Norfolk and North Cambridgeshire, our recent inspection reaffirms the great personal development and pastoral care our students receive. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and students."

"The inspection team took every opportunity to directly interact with our students to gain their insightful thoughts, recognising that students enjoyed attending school.   The inspector commented that behaviour was very strong and acknowledged pupils treat each other with respect in an inclusive and supportive manner."

The recently published report says: “The purposeful school environment further promotes pupils’ engagement in school life.   During social times pupils chat together happily.   They interact with duty staff, and queue sensibly for the canteen.  Behaviour in corridors during lesson changeover is equally calm.  Pupils’ work ethic is evident in lessons.  This enables them, and their peers, to achieve well in many areas of school life, including pupil examinations”

There is praise in the report for many aspects of the school, including a sense of community, purposeful learning, clear staff expectations, and strong support for all students, particularly the support of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). “The Hub base for pupils with SEND contributes significantly to pupils’ progression.”

A member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, the school has 827 pupils aged 11 to 16.

“Our Students are at the heart of everything we do at Marshland High School. The range of opportunities we provide for them to develop their character and skills is a testament to our commitment to their holistic development.  The report highlights our students' high regard for the school's student council and prefects and their belief that their voices are heard,” said Mr Jansen.

The Ofsted inspection team identified the rigour of assessment within a small number of subjects as one area that the school could develop further.

The report states “There is a comprehensive programme of professional development opportunities available. As a result, staff are confident in teaching their subjects. They also speak highly of the school’s action in terms of wellbeing and workload” and that “The overwhelming majority of parents would recommend the school and express positive views.”

The day after the inspection the school bought in an ice-cream van, providing all students and staff with a free treat, as a way of celebrating and thanking the school community for their efforts.