A Blackburn headteacher has said she “couldn’t be any prouder” after they were rated outstanding by Ofsted.

The education body visited Pleckgate High School on June 5 and 6 and maintained the school’s outstanding grade, which it also achieved in 2019.

In the report, which rated Pleckgate outstanding in all areas, inspectors praised the “high academic expectations” and the “exemplary behaviour” at the oversubscribed comprehensive school.

Headteacher Aishling McGinty also praised her hard-working and talented teachers and support staff.

Students celebrating Pleckgate's outstanding resultStudents celebrating Pleckgate's outstanding result (Image: Dany Robson)

She said: “Children’s education has been seriously disrupted over the past few years and staff have worked hard to help those pupils who need the most support to make sure that they enjoy coming to school and make  great progress.

“This recognition by Ofsted endorses the work we do every day and we know that parents can be confident of the outstanding experience their children receive at school. We couldn’t be prouder.”

The Ofsted report said: “Pupils at this school are strongly supported to develop aspirational goals for their future lives. They thrive in a well-established culture of high academic expectations.

READ MORE: Darwen St James Primary School still inadequate says Ofsted

“The school fosters a harmonious and supportive environment. Pupils learn the importance of being kind and respectful towards each other. They do not tolerate discrimination in any form.

“Pupils benefit from an extensive programme of high-quality experiences that supplement and enhance their learning, including a vast array of clubs, trips, and visiting speakers.

“The school goes to great lengths to identify and overcome any barriers that may hinder pupils’ participation in any aspect of school life. It is determined that pupils, including those with SEND, benefit from the school’s rich and inspiring offer.”

The report writer added that the school and the Education Partnership Trust were “united in their aim” to provide pupils with an exceptional education and that raising standards is “central” to the school’s vision.

They also described the school’s curriculum as “broad and ambitious”, saying it was “thoughtfully designed” which enabled pupils to develop an impressive understanding of each subject.

The report continued” Pupils display positive attitudes towards their learning. Staff are well trained to assist pupils who struggle to regulate their own behaviour. The school fosters a calm and welcoming atmosphere.

 

“Pupils enjoy their time at school and rates of attendance are high. The school quickly identifies any pupils whose attendance starts to decline.

"It works closely with parents and carers to address any issues that may prevent pupils from attending as often as they should.”

Sharon Roscoe, chief executive of the Education Partnership Trust, said: “We are thrilled with the outstanding Ofsted judgement for Pleckgate High School, which is an accurate and well-deserved reflection of the exceptional performance of the pupils and the school.

“This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire school community and I would like to congratulate the staff, pupils, parents/carers, and governors on this glowing report and amazing achievement.

“The new inspection framework is much more rigorous and I am incredibly proud that all schools in the trust continue to be judged as good or outstanding.”