Chilton Trinity School Upgraded By OFSTED
By Jill Dando News
Chilton Trinity School in Bridgwater is celebrating after being upgraded by the education watchdog Ofsted.
The secondary school of almost 1000 students was rated as Requiring Improvement in 2022, was judged to be Good in all areas of the Ofsted framework when inspected in September.
Ofsted no longer issues an overall judgement but the team of four inspectors said Chilton Trinity was Good for its leadership and management and quality of education as well as for pupils’ personal development and their behaviour and attitudes.
Their report said the school, which became part of Futura Learning Partnership in 2023, had “sharpened its expectations” and made rapid improvements after poor exam results last year, with significantly improved GCSE outcomes for Year 11 students in 2024.
“The school has acted quickly to make important changes. It is resolute that the quality of learning and outcomes for all pupils, especially disadvantaged pupils or pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), improve,” Ofsted said.
“Trustees, trust leaders, the school and governors work closely together to focus on the priorities for the school. Since the last inspection, the new trust and the school have acted quickly to put in actions to drive improvement. This has been positive in raising standards of learning and behaviour.”
The inspectors praised the ambitious and carefully sequenced curriculum and the consistent approach to teaching.
They were extremely complimentary about the pupils, who are aged 11 to 16. Positive comments in the report included:
• Pupils are positive in the way they conduct themselves at all times of the day. In lessons, pupils are calm and focus on their learning.
• Throughout the school, pupils show one another kindness and consideration.
• Pupils treat each other well.
• Pupils are well looked after. They learn how to look after their own mental and physical health. Pupils feel well supported by the pastoral team who help them to manage their concerns.
• [Pupils] contribute enthusiastically to school life.
Headteacher Kathryn Deady said she was delighted with Ofsted’s findings.
“We are really proud of this outcome as it is a testimony to the dedication and commitment of our staff, who work tirelessly to support the children in their care. Most importantly it reflects how incredible our students are, not just during the inspection, but as fantastic ambassadors for their school each and every day. I am also grateful to parents and carers who support the school, enabling us to provide a good learning experience for our students.”
Futura chief executive officer Gary Schlick said: “Congratulations to everyone at Chilton Trinity on this excellent Ofsted report. The clean sweep of ‘good’ judgements were thoroughly deserved. It demonstrates how much progress can be made when staff, leaders, the trust, children and families work together for the benefit of all.”
