School rapidly improving after criticisms - Ofsted

Inspectors found there had been significant progress since the school was told it was not managing pupils' bad behaviour and not offering students enough support

A school that was judged as inadequate two years ago is "rapidly improving", Ofsted inspectors say.

It comes after inspectors' verdict in 2022 that Idsall School in Shifnal, Shropshire, was struggling to deal with bad behaviour, not giving enough support to students with special education needs and those who struggled with reading.

But in an inspection last month, the education watchdog found several areas were good and significant progress had been made.

Head teacher Michelle King, who began to turn the school around after she arrived in 2019, said the report demonstrated "great strides" made in recent months.

Head teacher Michelle King said the report reflected the hard work of staff, pupils and parents

Inspectors who visited the school on 12 and 13 November said behaviour at the school had improved considerably.

"Increasingly, pupils embody the values of kindness, integrity and empathy for others in all that they do," their report said.

While the quality of education still requires improvement, inspectors found that behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and sixth-form provision were all good.

In a statement the school, which joined the Marches Academy Trust in September 2023, said school bosses were delighted with the feedback, particularly the recognition of the strong leadership and management.

"We are pleased to see the hard work of our dedicated staff, children, young people, and parents reflected in this positive inspection," Ms King said.

"The report demonstrates the great strides we've made in recent months, and we are excited to build on these improvements."