SIR Thomas Picton School has been removed from special measures by Estyn following its latest inspection.

The Haverfordwest secondary school was found to have made significant progress in all five recommended areas outlined by Estyn since a core inspection in 2015.

Tracy Edwards, the school’s acting headteacher, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Estyn recognise the improvement journey that the school has been on during the last two years.

“The decision to remove us from this category is reflection of the determination and the hard work of the staff, governors and the whole school community.”

Pembrokeshire County Council has worked collaboratively with the secondary school to ensure that progress has been made in three of the five recommendations since the last inspection with very strong progress in  another.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, David Lloyd, said: "This is the news we have been waiting for.

“It confirms that the bespoke support provided by the local authority and the regional consortium has been effective.

“I would also like to acknowledge the strong leadership provided by the governing body and the Acting Headteacher to bring about this success.”

The news was also welcomed by the Authority’s Director for Children and Schools, Kate Evan-Hughes.

She added: “I am delighted to see the progress made by all staff governors and pupils at the school. I would like to thank everyone for their commitment and look forward to this continuing into Haverfordwest VC High School.”

Western Telegraph: Estyn report

The recommendations: how STP has improved

Estyn made five recommendations for how STP could be improved and be taken out of special measures.

  • The first recommendation was to: "Raise standards and improve performance across key stage 3 and key stage 4, particularly that of boys."
    The school was found to have made strong progress in this area.
     
  • The second recommendation was to: "Improve the leadership skills of middle leaders."
    The school was found to have made strong progress in this area.
     
  • The third recommendation was to: "Improve the quality of self-evaluation and improvement planning by middle leaders."
    The school was found to have made strong progress in this area.
     
  • The fourth recommendation was to: "Improve pupils’ attendance."
    The school was found to have made satisfactory progress in this area.
     
  • The fifth recommendation was to: "Address the health and safety concerns raised during the inspection." 
    The school was found to have made very good progress in this area.

The full report is available at the Estyn website.