Report ECHS19031

The Committee received a report providing an update on the actions taken to address the recommendations made in the independent Report of Investigation into St Olave’s Grammar School which was issued in July 2018.  Independent monitoring had been undertaken by an experienced School Improvement Partner (SIP) jointly appointed by the School and Local Authority.  A six-month review was undertaken in January 2019, with participation by the School, Local Authority, Rochester Diocesan Board of Education and the Foundation Trust.  The School Improvement Partner reported that progress has been made against all of the 49 recommendations, with 30 recommendations completed and 19 recommendations underway.

The Chairman welcomed to the meeting the Venerable Dr Paul Wright, Chairman of the Governing Body of St Olaves, and Mr Andrew Rees, Head Teacher.  The Committee extended its congratulations on the positive outcome of the Ofsted inspection.

The Venerable Dr Paul Wright reported that a great deal had happened since the last update to Committee.  The outcome of the Ofsted inspection had been encouraging and the findings of the inspectors had validated the partnership work between the School, Local Authority, Rochester Diocesan Board of Education, and School Improvement Partner that had taken place prior to the Inspection.  When the Ofsted inspection took place the School had been able to demonstrated that the recommendations arising from the Independent Investigation had been acted upon.

Dr Wright reported  that a strong Governing Body was now in place and this had instilled confidence in the leadership and management of the School.  There were some ongoing actions however plans were in place to address these.

Mr Rees highlighted that the report from Ofsted had recognised the improvements made across the school.  It was particularly noted that that parents were positive and that St Olave’s had transformed from where it was 18 months ago.

The Director of Education emphasised Ofsted’s recognition that strong leadership had driven improvements.  The School had worked well with the Local Authority and other partners and there was confidence that when the 12 month update was provided all 49 recommendations would have been completed.

A Member noted the positive relationships that St Olave’s was developing with primary schools in the more deprived parts of the Borough.  It was emphasised that these positive relationships would encourage diversity at St Olave’s.

In response to a question from the Vice-Chairman concerning actions that were not yet implemented, the Head Teacher confirmed that the School was moving toward acting on all recommendations.  However, the management at the school were keen to ensure that all policies were discussed appropriately and that changes were properly embedded before signing any actions off.

In response to a question the Head Teacher confirmed that there was ongoing support for the pupils and families that had been affected the most under the old leadership regime.  Avenues of ongoing support would also be available through the Local Authority.

In relation to pupils progressing into the Sixth Form, the Head Teacher confirmed that as a Grammar School there were certain criteria that had to be met in order for pupils to progress.  There was a need to ensure that all pupils achieved the most appropriate outcomes and the school was trying to make the best and most appropriate decisions for individual pupils.  Where it was felt that other, more suitable options were available discussions between the school, pupil and family took place.  Parents had understood the rationale for pupils not progressing and there had been no appeals.

In response to a question concerning whether St Olave’s would extend its technical education offer, the Head Teacher confirmed that staff would continue to focus their energies and resources into university applications as this was the chosen route for the majority of pupils.  It was acknowledged that moving forward more work needed to be done around the offer of apprenticeships.

In response to a question concerning what the Local Authority was doing to ensure that a similar situation did not arise with a school in the future, the Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Families stressed that as soon as it became aware of issues the Local Authority reacted quickly.  An independent investigation was instigated with support from the School.  In terms of wider issues, it had to be recognised that the education landscape was evolving and schools were now much more autonomous.  As such it was essential that positive relationships with schools were developed and maintained.  There needed to be positive engagement with Governing Bodies and to this end the Local Authority, through its contractor Octavo, was providing support to Governors.  Going forward there was also a responsibility for local ward members to become more involved with their local schools.  The Director of Education also emphasised the role of the Regional Schools Commissioner in overseeing schools that had converted to academy status.  The Local Authority worked closely with the Regional Schools Commissioner, the DfE, and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and if necessary any concerns would be raised with one or all of these organisations.

In relation to the advice given to the schools for which the Local Authority handled the statutory consultation on admissions, the Director of Education confirmed that the fact that the full proposals must be shared with the parent body was implicit in the information that was sent to schools however this would be stated explicitly in the next guidance that was circulated.  The action would then be signed off as fully completed.

The Chairman thanked the Venerable Dr Paul Wright and Mr Andrew Rees for attending the meeting to provide an update to Members.  It was agreed that a further update would be provided at the meeting scheduled for October 2019.

RESOLVED: That:

1. The 6-month independent monitoring report on the implementation of recommendations arising from the St Olave’s investigation report be noted; and

2. A further update be provided following the 12-month review of the implementation of recommendations by the School Improvement Partner.