The Wensleydale School has been graded ‘good’ by Ofsted, maintaining its ‘good’ result.

Inspectors commented on the ‘strong leadership’, the ‘respectful’ adult and student relationships, the extracurricular activities and also referenced the pupils’ ‘pride’ about their ‘tight knit community’ and the ‘inclusive nature of the school.

The school has gone to great lengths to build links with the wider community in Leyburn and the Wensleydale area and inspectors picked up on these charitable and business connections and also added ‘the curriculum follows and extends beyond the academic.

It ensures pupils have the opportunities to develop into responsible, caring and well-rounded adults’. The report also referenced the large proportion of parents who spoke positively about the school’s pastoral care.

The school has undergone an intensive phase of change to ensure all areas of teaching are watertight, create a range of opportunities which extend beyond academic study and bolster morale among staff and parents alike, under a vision shared by all leaders.

The Ofsted report specifically acknowledged that ‘leaders are unwavering in their commitment to the school community’ and that ‘parents praised leaders for their support during the pandemic’.

Headteacher Julia Polley, who came to the school just before the last inspection, said the ‘excellent’ result reflects the handwork of all staff, students and governors.

She said: “I’m very pleased with the grading. I’ve spent the last six-and-a-half years of managing change and I’m determined to take the school to the next level over the next five years. I’m extremely proud of students, staff, governors and all who contribute to our school community.”

The sixth form, which delivers a combined vocational and academic curriculum offering mainly BTECs through the Business and Innovation Centre, was graded as ‘Requires Improvement’ under ‘special circumstances’.

With the government’s withdrawal of BTECs, it is difficult for the school to offer a curriculum with the sufficient breadth required and inspectors highlighted the Post-16 offering had ‘narrowed’ and acknowledged this was ‘in part due to financial constraints’. This doesn’t affect the overall grading of the school.

The Post-16 offering will be suspended for one year, while the school explores its options. The school is committed to its existing Year 12s and will provide them with all they need to successfully complete their course next year. Ms Polley is also proud that all students who have studied at the Business and Innovation Centre over the past four years, have successfully gone on to industry and higher education destinations, having gained hands-on work and mentoring by local businesses, along the way.

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