1400 students can head off for a summer break from their school knowing it has just been given Ofsted’s top grading of outstanding. Headteacher Jon Hampson of Soham Village College said: “I am delighted that the commitment and hard work of the students and staff has been fully recognised by Ofsted.”
Inspectors visited the Sand Street, Soham, college on June 19 and 20 and concluded it was outstanding in every aspect. Its previous inspection in March of 2023 had rated it good.
Ofsted says Soham Village College is outstanding in its “quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management”.
This school is part of Staploe Education Trust, which is run by the chief executive officer, Carin Taylor, and overseen by a board of trustees, chaired by Simon Wright.
“Pupils are extremely happy at Soham Village College,” says the Ofsted report. “They feel valued, trusted and respected. Consequently, pupils take great pride in their school.
“They feel it is an honour to represent the school at events or as part of a team. Pupils are welcomed daily into an environment that builds their confidence and self-belief. “Consequently, pupils flourish academically and personally”.
Knowing teachers have very high expectations for them to succeed, students “expect to be given work that challenges them. This has resulted in pupils developing a strong sense of resilience. Pupils try hard and produce work of exceptional quality.
“They articulate their learning with a maturity beyond their ages. Consequently, they achieve very highly. Pupils are extremely polite and respectful.”
Ofsted says: “Pupils want to learn, strive for excellence and care about each other. As a result, behaviour is exemplary, and lessons progress free from disruption. Pupils enjoy a myriad of opportunities to develop or extend their interests.
“There is an extensive range of sports, creative and general interest activities on offer. “Many of these clubs are set up and run by pupils.
Ofsted says the school has crafted a curriculum that is highly ambitious for all pupils and teachers “have excellent subject knowledge. They use this to explain things with a high degree of precision”.
The report add that the quality of students’ written work is exceptional.
“The school places a high priority on reading,” says Ofsted. “Pupils read widely and often.
“The library is a hive of activity as pupils choose books from a wide range of genres and authors. Pupils who struggle to read are quickly identified.
“Personalised plans, delivered by highly trained staff, help pupils improve. As a result, pupils quickly increase their confidence and become fluent readers. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are very effectively supported.
“Specialists provide teachers with detailed information about pupils’ specific barriers to learning. Teachers use this information to ensure that learning experiences and activities are accessible to all pupils.
“Consequently, pupils with SEND make progress that is as impressive as that of their peers. Pupils understand that they are part of a community where everyone’s actions can impact on everyone else.
“They are determined to be the best they can be. This results in an exceptionally positive attitude to their own and each other’s learning.
“Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. The personal development programme is comprehensive and meticulously planned. Pupils value key principles such as tolerance, democracy and respect.”
Ofsted says: “They embrace these values and demonstrate them routinely in their lives. This helps foster the ethos of the school.
“Everyone is accepted, and no one is left out. A precisely planned offer of careers education is woven through the curriculum. Input from local businesses brings classroom learning to life. Pupils get information about how the subjects they study can lead to different careers.
“As a result, pupils make well-informed choices about their next steps. Trustees have a clear understanding of the school. They know what it does exceptionally well, yet still strive for further improvements.”
The inspectors found: “Staff are proud to work at the school. They value how leaders trust them to do their jobs without burdensome oversight and workload.”
You can find out more about Soham Village College here: https://www.sohamvc.org/
