Following a recent monitoring inspection visit, St Julian’s School has been removed from special measures.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales, Estyn has confirmed that the school has made sufficient progress and no longer requires this level of intervention.
Councillor Jane Mudd, leader of the council, said: “This is excellent news for the school and its students. A considerable amount of work has been done in partnership with the school – well done to staff, governors, pupils and the wider school community for their continued support and for making such positive progress.”
Estyn’s inspectors had previously placed the school in special measures and judged that standards were below what was expected.
The school has now shown progress again the recommendations made by Estyn including:
– Improvements to the quality and consistency of teaching, marking and assessment; a clear understanding of what successful learning should look like; teachers developing productive and positive working relationships with pupils; and the use of various teaching methods to maximise pupils’ learning, progress and development of literacy skills.
– The headteacher has established a clear vision for the school based on the principles of consistency, high expectations and professionalism and these expectations are understood by staff.
– Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the school’s primary focus has been on supporting the wellbeing of its pupils and helping them to settle back into school after periods of lockdown. The school has continued its work to raise pupils’ achievement and develop their skills, independence, and resilience. This has had a positive impact and supported suitable improvements in the standard of pupils’ work.
Councillor Davies Deb Davies, cabinet member for education and skills and chair of governors at the school, added: “We are incredibly pleased that Estyn could see the improvements made within the school, but we also acknowledge this is not the end of the story.
“Estyn is confident that St Julian’s has the capacity to maintain the journey of improvement and that the local authority will continue to support the school as they implement their school development plan. This is a huge milestone for the school, and we are determined that the impetus and positive development will continue.”
