Ofsted praise for Cliff Park High

INSPECTORS say Cliff Park High School in Gorleston is improving, helped by its specialist sports status and links to the local community.

Ofsted says the new status has raised pupil confidence helping them to make good progress in their studies and personal development.

There was praise too for the headteacher Mark Bailie who was said to be a key factor leading to the school's improvement against a background of change as the school grew to take in Year 7.

Overall the 1035 pupil school is graded as “good” and the pupil contribution to the school and wider community as “outstanding.”

Mr Bailie said he was delighted with the report - particularly as June's inspection was one of the first under a new more-searching framework, inspectors visiting 35 lessons, meeting governors and pupils and combing through 79 parent questionnaires.

“The previous report was just satisfactory with some good elements, now we have a good one with an outstanding feature. Most of the judgements are good in key areas so it is a significant leap forward. The staff, governors and children all deserve it.”

Although the school has a good reputation and is heavily over-subscribed inspectors warn against complacency in order to maintain the quality of teaching and students' progress in learning.

The report says: “The school's Sports College status plays an important role in preparing students for their future lives. Many extra-curricular opportunities take place that enrich students' experience. Students make an outstanding contribution to the school and local community.”

Areas for improvement already identified by the school include more focus on cultural and religious diversity and more parental involvement.

Mr Bailie said he was proud of the fact that over 70pc of children were involved in extra-curricular activities boosting their enjoyment of school and commitment to it. The national average is between 35 and 40pc.