EDUCATION inspectors have improved their rating of a West Somerset school following their latest visit in February this year.

Minehead Middle School, which is part of the Beacon Education Trust, had been considered since early in 2023 to be ‘inadequate’.

But, under new headteacher Laura Mackie, who was appointed in September, 2023, Ofsted has seen improvements.

Inspectors recognised ‘significant progress’ had been made and lifted the school out of the ‘serious weakness’ category.

However, they said it still ‘requires improvement’ overall, which Mrs Mackie said was a ‘positive milestone’ reflecting the collective effort and dedication of staff, students, parents, and the wider community.

Mrs Mackie said “I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made.

“Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and this report reflects the dedication and hard work from my team and the support of our parents and the wider community.

“Our place in the community is important to us and we will continue working together to ensure every child thrives here.”

Ofsted lead inspector Rachel Hesketh highlighted substantial improvements, particularly in behaviour and attitudes and personal development of pupils, both now rated as ‘good’.

Ms Hesketh said the middle school had come through a period of ‘rapid change and recruitment’.

She said in the past 18 months the school had recruited senior leaders to several key roles, including special needs provision, and whereas previously it had several vacant teaching posts, it was now fully staffed.

Ms Hesketh said: “Pupils and staff appreciate the stability and rapid improvements the school has put in place. Changes in staffing have settled.”

She said students understood the school’s ambition for them to achieve well and pointed to the school being ‘calm’ with a strong focus on learning and mutual respect.

However, Ms Hesketh said work to improve parts of the curriculum was still developing, which meant some older pupils had gaps in their knowledge.

The report also acknowledged an improvement in classroom conduct and a significant reduction in suspensions of pupils.

It identified the stability in staffing which had been achieved and the school’s actions to ‘prioritise key improvements’.

Through the discussions with students, inspectors found that they ‘actively engage and interact in class’, enjoyed their learning, and created a purposeful learning environment for all.

Ms Hesketh praised the school’s safeguarding arrangements as effective, and the strength of the personal, social, health, and economic (PSHE) curriculum, which equipped students with the knowledge and skills to look after their wellbeing, as well as supporting them to form positive relationships, and keep themselves safe.

The middle school’s work to strengthen its special education needs and disability (SEND) provision was also recognised.

Ms Hesketh said robust systems were now in place to better support students and their families through effective collaboration with parents and external agencies.

Following publication of the Ofsted report, Mrs Mackie said Minehead Middle School remained committed to building on its progress and delivering the highest standards of education for its 566 students aged nine to 13 years.