THE head of a Barrow school has spoken of his ‘pride’ in pupils and teachers after an Ofsted inspection.

Chetwynde, which converted to become a free school in 2014, was last inspected by Ofsted in 2017.

The school, which accepts pupils aged from four to 16, was given an overall rating as ‘requires improvement’. Schools are given a rating of either inadequate, requires improvement, good or outstanding.

Personal development, behaviour and welfare was judged as outstanding, early years development as good, and leadership effectiveness and quality of teaching were deemed to require improvement.

Inspectors said weaknesses included the development of pupils’ writing skills in some primary classes ‘has been, and continues to be, weak’.

They also raised concerns about the way in which ‘low-ability pupils do not progress as well as other ability groups’.

The school’s strengths included an ‘improved quality of teaching’ in secondary classes and said that ‘relationships between staff and pupils are exemplary’.

The inspectors added that ‘provision for pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is very effective’.

Ofsted revisited the Barrow school earlier this month and in a letter to parents and staff headteacher Steve Jefferson spoke of his pride in the way the entire school responded to the inspection.

He said: “Whilst such inspections can undoubtedly be stressful for all those involved, I could not have been more proud of our staff and students for their commitment and enthusiasm they showed during the inspection.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those parents who took the time to complete the online survey and provide such supportive and constructive feedback about the school.

“This was highlighted as a strength by the inspectors.

“We should receive the report from Ofsted within 25 working days and we will communicate the outcome thereafter.”