Pakefield High School 'is a hive of industrious learning'

Education watchdog Ofsted has visited Pakefield High in Lowestoft for the first inspection since the school converted to become an academy in April 2019.

Pakefield High head Mr Dan Bagshaw with pupils at the school. Picture: Pakefield High School (Image: Pakefield High School)

With the high school on London Road joining Clarion Trust in April 2019 it subsequently merged with another trust to become Clarion Corvus Trust in April this year.

After the inspection was carried out on September 27/28, lead Ofsted inspector Sue Child and three Ofsted inspectors found the school to have a 'good quality of education’, 'good leadership and management', 'good behaviour and attitudes' and 'good personal development' as it's 'overall effectiveness' was rated as 'Good'.

With more than 680 pupils aged between 11 and 16 attending Pakefield High, head of school Dan Bagshaw, said he was "absolutely thrilled" with the inspection outcomes.

Pakefield High head Mr Dan Bagshaw at the school. Picture: Pakefield High School (Image: Pakefield High School)

Mr Bagshaw said: "The school has been on a tremendous journey of improvement over the past few years.

"This is a proud moment for everyone involved with the school, and I would like to thank the fantastic team of staff at the school who have made this transformation possible through their sheer hard work and determination."

With Ofsted inspectors noting "Pupils’ behaviour has improved beyond recognition" and that "this rapidly improving school" boasts "a calm and purposeful learning environment" where "pupils' welfare is of the highest priority," this was the first routine inspection the school had received since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Inspectors also noted the improvements to teaching, with the focus on staff training resulting in a school which is a "hive of industrious learning."

Pakefield High head Mr Dan Bagshaw with pupils at the school. Picture: Pakefield High School (Image: Pakefield High School)

Mr Bagshaw said: "The school is ambitious for all of its learners, and this report will be a springboard to ensuring Pakefield continues its rapid journey of improvement."

Assessing what Pakefield needs to do to improve, the report added: "The school should ensure that a small number of pupils are supported to develop reading skills further so that they develop into confident and fluent readers."