Personal development "superb" at UTC Portsmouth as Ofsted publishes glowing report
Teachers at a STEM specialist college are celebrating a positive Ofsted report which has noted personal development as a strength.
As part of a major shakeup with Ofsted, school reports are now presented differently with each criteria being ranked exceptional, strong standard, expected standard, needs attention or urgent attention.
UTC secured ‘strong standard’ in all areas apart from personal development and well-being which achieved an exceptional rating.
The inspection said: “Pupils’ personal development is superb. Pupils are extremely engaged in their learning and are very motivated. They rightly recognise and value the high-quality provision that the school makes for them. Pupils develop independence.
“They are mature young people focused on achieving highly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Pupils make a significant contribution to school life.”
James Doherty, principal of UTC Portsmouth said: “We are proud of the culture our students and staff have built together.
“This judgement reflects our long track record of high expectations, strong relationships and preparing young people for ambitious futures.”
Ofsted also highlighted that “pupils value their education greatly” which results in high attendance rates. Following a few years of lower attendance rates, the school has implemented “effective” and “robust” systems to track pupil absence.
There are “highly ambitious” visions for the school and staff know what needs to be done to further improve, with the report saying leaders should continue towards a “transformational impact on the outcomes and experiences of disadvantaged pupils.”
The report added: “Pupils progress through the curriculum extremely well. They are very well prepared to go on to sustained and extremely ambitious destinations when they leave school.
“Pupils behave superbly. Relationships around the school create an ethos of professionalism and pride. Pupils show high levels of respect for each other and completely commit to the ethos of a professional learning environment that operates using industry standards and expectations.”
The safeguarding measures are effective and there is a strong culture of keeping pupils safe.
Chief Executive of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust Kate Ambrosi said: "This report confirms that UTC Portsmouth continues to deliver a top-class education for its students and we are incredibly pleased with it.
“Its findings speak to the immense amount of thought that goes into designing the UTC's curriculum and approach. These are what help students achieve those very ambitious destinations. Congratulations to them all."