Futures looking bright following latest Ofsted inspection

March 8, 2016 by Southend Borough Council

Futures looking bright following latest Ofsted inspection

Tuesday 8th March 2016

Members and officers at the Council are congratulating Futures Community College after it was announced it has moved out of special measures.

At a recent inspection, inspectors found that Futures is an improving school, with standards of teaching, behaviour and achievement all improving and the gaps between the achievement of disadvantaged pupils and others is narrowing rapidly.

Whilst the progress mathematics and modern foreign languages is below the national average, it was noted that the schools programme of training for teachers is thorough and effective and staff overwhelmingly support the headteacher’s clear vision for school improvement.

The interim executive board (IEB) which was installed by the council in November 2014 was also praised, with inspectors saying that they are “highly experienced in education” and “understand the school’s strength and areas of weakness well.” They also noted that they “challenge school leaders effectively and hold them to account for progress.”

Cllr Anne Jones, Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, says:
“It is far from easy to move a school out of special measures, but this challenge has been met head on by Mr Reynolds and his team, along with pupils and parents, members of the IEB and our dedicated team of officers.

“Everyone should be heartened by this latest report which clearly shows that things are moving in the right direction. Perhaps most importantly it is clear that Mr Reynolds has the full support of his staff team in turning the school around, and we have been clear that our commitment backs this up.

“Whilst there is clearly work still to be done, I am confident that Futures will continue to improve. With attainment and achievement also on an upward curve the school is in a strong position to continue its journey to being judged a good school at its next inspection.”

Following the inspection at the start of February, the school has now improved its rating to ‘requires improvement.’ You can read the report here.