Thorpe Bay School Improvements Earn Change of Status

Ofsted Report Recognises Progress, Ending Long Period in Special Measures

Colchester, UK. January 23rd, 2006 - Thorpe Bay School in Southend has emerged from special measures status after its Ofsted inspection report was published today. The school had been in special measures for six years, longer than any other school in the country. -

'We are thrilled that the inspectors have taken Thorpe Bay out of special measures,' Headteacher Jean Alder commented. 'A really productive partnership with Edison has helped us establish an effective ethos with an emphasis on achievement and personal responsibility ? something the school has struggled to do in the past, during its many changes of leadership. A good ethos is an important building block in the construction of a cohesive and purposeful environment for both staff and pupils.'

With support from Southend Local Authority and the nearby King John school, Thorpe Bay School began working in partnership with Edison in September 2004 on a wide-ranging programme of measures aimed at raising achievement across the school. The programme includes training, guidance and support on leadership development, school self-evaluation, the code of conduct and behaviour management, and the support of vulnerable students, offered within the framework of a whole-school approach to improvement. In the report, the inspectors find that Thorpe Bay now has the capacity to support its own continued development, aided by the partnerships it has created.

'Thorpe Bay has wholeheartedly implemented the Edison Design for School Improvement and shown what can be done in a relatively short time, even in very challenging circumstances,' said Paul Lincoln, Edison's Director of Education. 'There is a great deal more to do, but this is a very encouraging start, and we congratulate the headteacher, staff and governers at Thorpe Bay, and the Local Authority, for their tremendous effort and commitment.'

Highlights from the Ofsted report include:

• 'Standards are improving and the rate of progress at Key Stage Three is now close to that found nationally.'

• 'The quality of teaching is satisfactory overall and good teaching was seen in a significant number of lessons in Key Stage Four.' (60 per cent of the teaching seen was good or better)

• 'Within the school racial harmony is good and pupils from different cultures and backgrounds often get on well together.'

• 'Leadership and management are satisfactory overall and improving rapidly with the new structures in place.'

• 'There is a clear focus on improving the quality of learning and developing a more consistent approach to assessment.'

• 'An increasing number of pupils clearly enjoy their learning and apply themselves well.'

• 'Incidents of bullying have reduced and when they do occur they are resolved quickly and sensitively by staff.'

Paul Greenhalgh, Director of Southend Authority's Children & Learning department, added: 'The local authority is pleased that the multi-faceted support package, delivered in partnership with Edison and King John School, has had such an impact on standards and quality for learners at Thorpe Bay School.'

About Edison Schools

Edison Schools UK works with partner schools through a process of consultancy, coaching and innovation, to provide a complete package of services and technologies to assist with raising achievement. Through its research-based school model, diagnostic assessment systems, continuous professional development, and integrated use of technology, Edison provides an all-encompassing school improvement programme designed to support every aspect of a school's operation in pursuit of a more effective and satisfying learning experience.