Honiton Community College is celebrating being rated ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted during its latest inspection in May. The secondary school was awarded ‘Good’ ratings in all four areas evaluated by inspectors including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.

At the college, staff provide a caring and supportive environment in which all students can achieve their full potential, both academically and socially, underpinned by the core values of kindness, curiosity and resilience.

Ofsted inspectors noted in their report that the college, working closely with the Ted Wragg Trust, “has raised the ambition for what pupils can achieve” and the work to improve the quality of education “has resulted in pupils achieving more highly in their qualifications” with students happy and “better prepared for their next steps.”

Across two days inspectors visited a sample of lessons, spoke to students and staff and examined examples of their work.

The schools varied extra-curricular programme was mentioned as helping more students to enjoy new interests such as journalling and strategy games. The college offers a rich and extensive enrichment programme from the recent success of Ten Tors and Jurassic Coast Challenge to their new partnership with Exeter Chiefs who are delivering a sporting programme dedicated to improving girls’ mental well-being.

This is a major milestone in the journey of the college which, since joining the Trust in July 2023 as an Ofsted ‘requires improvement’ school, has made significant strides to improve the educational experience for students. This has included a focus on cultivating a values-led culture in line with their school values of kindness, curiosity and resilience including through the introduction of new rewards systems and fostering a sense of belonging.

The strong support from the Trust was recognised by inspectors who stated that “the trust has provided the school with effective support to develop the curriculum. There is now a well-organised, ambitious curriculum in place.”

Other comments from the inspectors included:

• The school is calm, pupils feel safe and they can learn with little disruption.
• The school has created a culture where pupils understand their responsibilities for their own behaviour.
• Students recognise the improvements that have been made at their school. They value leadership opportunities to contribute their views and make a difference.
• The school has strengthened the systems in place to identify the specific needs of students with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
• The school prepares students well for adult life and are taught how to keep themselves safe and healthy, including physically and mentally.
• Events such as careers fairs and work experience placements help students to explore the world of work including teaching them different options for education, employment and training.
• The school has increased engagement with the community through networks such as parent forums.

To read the full Ofsted report, visit the Ofsted website here.

Caroline Brothwood, Principal at Honiton Community College said: “This Good Ofsted rating is a wonderful confirmation of the continuous improvement we have made as a community and I’m so proud of the staff, students and families who made this achievement possible.

“Over the past few years, we have worked hard to build a values-based culture, foster a sense of belonging and support our students to be ambitious and achieve well. I’m so pleased that this progress has been noticed by inspectors.

“We are committed to continuing to live by our school motto of success for all, building on these improvements through embedding our adaptive teaching practices and assessment of student learning into every classroom, to ensure our students love coming to school every day, our staff love coming to work and our relationships with our community are strengthened.”

Ann Denner, Chair of Governors at Honiton Community College said: “The governors are thrilled with the outcome of the recent Ofsted Inspection. It is a reflection of the hard work and determination we have seen from staff, students and the whole community to bring about improvement to every aspect of school life. We are confident that Caroline's leadership, the dedicated staff and support from the Trust will allow the college to flourish and give the amazing young people we have in Honiton every opportunity to be successful.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said: “I’m delighted that Ofsted have recognised the significant strides the college have made to deliver an educational experience which supports students to achieve their full potential. This fantastic achievement is testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, governors, families and whole community who have worked tirelessly to develop a culture rooted in ambition and belonging.

“I’m particularly pleased that the inspectors acknowledged the exciting improvement journey of the college since joining the Trust which has raised the ambition of what students can achieve and by consequence strengthened our whole community. I’m looking forward to seeing this continued improvement as we enable our students to go on to live a life of opportunity.”