Oxfordshire school Ofsted inspection raises attendance concern

Gosford Hill school, a secondary school in Kidlington, received an impressive score from its recent inspection by the education standards board.

The school, which is part of the River Learning Trust, was judged at an ‘expected standard’ in it achievement, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance, personal development and wellbeing, and post 16 provision.

However, the school was told its attendance and behaviour ‘needs attention’.

In the report, inspectors said: “Too many pupils do not attend school regularly enough.

“This means that some pupils develop gaps in their learning that are not successfully addressed.

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“Some pupils use derogatory language and cause others to worry about bullying. There are incidents of boisterous behaviour, which some pupils find concerning.”

Gosford Hill School in Kidlington (Image: River Learning Trust)

Speaking on the positive aspects of the report, Headteacher Nigel Sellars said: “This outcome is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff, and the determination and resilience of our students.

“We are proud of what we have achieved and will continue striving to provide the very best opportunities for every young person in our care.”

Paul James, Chief Executive of River Learning Trust, added: “It is clear from this report that Gosford Hill is a school on an intentional, positive trajectory. The leadership team has a very accurate grasp of their strengths and the areas they are further developing.The sense of improvement and the commitment to high standards are evident throughout the inspectors’ findings.

“We look forward to continuing our support for the school as it builds on these successes for the benefit of the whole community.”

The school is the first in Oxfordshire to be on the Department for Education Schools Rebuilding Programme.

Announced in 2023, the school will be demolished and fully replaced after the headteacher said the existing buildings are “tired”, and “inefficient” and have roofs that “leak”.

The contract has been revealed to total £41m according to reports in Construction Enquirer.

New plans for Gosford Hill School in Kidlington (Image: River Learning Trust)

Speaking out in favour of the plans at the time, Gosford Hill headteacher, Nigel Sellars, said: “The current buildings are very tired, outdated, inefficient, costly to run and the roofs leak.

“I appreciate there are some concerns from local residents but the safety and wellbeing of our young people is my most important consideration.”

Gosford High School is one of around 400 schools across the country which will shortly be redeveloped as part of the government’s multi-billion-pound School Rebuilding Programme.