WALKWOOD Middle School has been rated as ‘outstanding’ following a recent inspection by the Church of England.
The inspection looked at three aspects of the school: visions and values, leadership and collective worship.
Walkwood was given the highest grade in each of these categories.
The final report states: “The inclusive vision of the school ensures that all children are supported in their personal well-being and academic achievement”.
It goes on to comment on “the school’s outstanding attention to individual needs, both academic and pastoral.”
During the inspection, evidence was gathered from conversations with four different groups of pupils, as well as separate meeting with parents, Walkwood staff and school governors.
A theme that came through was that Walkwood looks to meet the need of each child, and yet there is a shared understanding of inclusiveness and respect for diversity.
Leadership was highlighted as a strength, and particular mention was made of the ways that pupils can become leaders within the school.
Walkwood’s Principal, The Reverend Clive Leach, is described as “caring and inspiring” .
He said: “This report is a real blessing for our school and the community we serve. We rejoice in the many, many things that we do well, and shall never be complacent in considering what we can do better.”
The report finishes by saying: “The result of the outstanding leadership at Walkwood is that, in line with the school’s motto, each member of the school community is challenged, encouraged and nurtured to ‘love to learn, learn to live and live to love’”.
