The Newbridge School in Coalville has been told it has retained its 'inadequate' rating, and that 'serious weaknesses' remain, according to the latest Ofsted report.

A monitoring inspection in June followed one 12 months earlier, in which the school went from 'good' to inadequate.

In a letter from Matthew Fearns-Davies, His Majesty's Inspector, to the school's Executive Principal the following month, Ofsted says: "The Newbridge School remains inadequate and has serious weaknesses. Leaders have made progress to improve the school, but more work is necessary for the category of concern to be removed."

The letter highlights many of the positive efforts being carried out by the school to make those improvements.

But it also says there are areas where the school falls short.

The letter adds: "Most teachers have secure subject knowledge. They provide opportunities for pupils to recall what they have learned previously. They ask questions to check pupils' understanding. However, the precision with which teachers use these strategies does not always result in them identifying and addressing pupils' misconceptions.

"There are times when learning does not move on at the most appropriate point to help pupils focus on key learning and deepen their understanding. Most pupils are developing their knowledge over time. However, some pupils, particularly those who miss learning due to poor behaviour, are not developing their knowledge over time sufficiently to ensure that they are secure in their understanding of the subjects they study. There are gaps in these pupils' books

"Leaders have prioritised reading. They employ a range of strategies to ensure that pupils read regularly and develop their vocabulary. All pupils read with their tutors in the morning twice a week. Pupils who need extra help with their reading are swiftly identified. These pupils say they value the support they receive."

The Newbridge School in Coalville. Photo: Instantstreetview.com

But the letter says The Newbridge School addresses students who may have Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

It adds: "Leaders have ensured that there are systems in place to identify pupils with SEND promptly. Teachers receive information about these pupils and are aware of who needs extra support in their classes. Some teachers use a range of strategies to ensure that pupils with SEND can access the curriculum. This practice is not yet consistent across all teachers. Leaders have employed a new assistant headteacher to develop further the strategic oversight of the provision for pupils with SEND."

But the behaviour of pupils at the school is also mentioned.

The letter says: "At the time of the previous inspection, leaders were challenged to improve pupils' behaviour in lessons. Leaders have introduced a new behaviour system. 

"Many pupils say that lessons are calmer now. Most pupils in the lessons inspectors visited were purposefully engaged in their learning. Pupils are rewarded for positive behaviour with bronze, silver, gold and platinum awards. Despite this improvement, a minority of pupils continue to disrupt lessons. Pupils continue to be frustrated by this.

"Leaders have created a curriculum to teach pupils about respect as well as diversity and discrimination. Pupils learn about these themes in assemblies, personal development lessons and timetabled sessions that focus on pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural education. Leaders have established a 'no bystanders' campaign to introduce the idea that pupils should look after one another. 

"Pupils recognise the importance that leaders have placed on respecting difference. They say that there has been a reduction in pupils' use of derogatory language. Pupils are now more aware than at the time of the previous inspection of how they can report issues and share concerns with staff. Some pupils talk about their confidence in these systems and in staff to address their worries. However, pupils continue to raise concerns about the regularity with which they hear derogatory language. Some pupils remain worried by bullying.

"Leaders use external alternative provision appropriately to support pupils who struggle to manage their own behaviour. They identify which provision is best suited for pupils' development and regularly check on pupils' welfare and progress."

Coalville Nub News has contacted The Newbridge School for comment.