As you will be aware, the school was visited by an Ofsted inspection team in November and I am delighted that they found Royds Hall to be a good school with some outstanding strengths. I am now able to share some highlights from their report.

Ofsted reported us to be ‘a good school because all aspects of provision are good, resulting in students achieving well both academically and personally. Good teaching promotes effective learning. Relationships are strong and teaching is lively. Students’ achievement is good across the school and it is improving steadily.’

On care and guidance of students, they reported ‘all students are highly valued as individuals. The pastoral care provided for them is a strength of the school and has some outstanding features.’ They observed ‘harmonious relationships’ and ‘a warm and inclusive atmosphere within the school. Mutual respect is evident, resulting in mature and constructive relationships. The school is a cohesive community. Extra provision for students with additional needs is outstanding.’

We were very proud of our students who were, as ever, superb ambassadors for the school and impressed the inspectors with their commitment and enthusiasm. They said ‘students enjoy being members of the school’ and described our promotion of healthy lifestyles and students’ response to it as ‘outstanding’. I would also like to thank the very large number of parents who wrote in support of the school. The inspection team described as ‘typical’ a comment that ‘There’s a great atmosphere and real energy within the school – my child loves it and is flourishing.’

In order to improve further, the inspection team asked us to ensure teachers take further steps to meet individuals’ needs in lessons and make sure students themselves know how to meet their targets.

Such a positive report has been a very pleasing end to a term which began with the school’s best ever GCSE results with 59% of the year group achieving 5A*-C grades! If you would like to read the full report, please follow the link on the school’s website or alternatively contact the school if you would like to receive a paper copy.

Next term will be upon us very soon, and there are two changes to the school calendar. The school will be closed for a staff training day on Monday 26th January. This replaces the training day planned for Friday 3rd July. Finally, at the end of this week, on Friday 19th December, the school will close for Christmas at 2.20pm.

At the end of a very busy and successful Autumn Term, on behalf of everyone at Royds Hall I would like to wish you a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year and look forward to working with you to support all our students in the coming year.