Today, Friday 17th March, Regional Schools Commissioner Tim Coulson, Regional Director for Ofsted Paul Brooker and local MP Lucy Frazer paid a visit to Soham Village College and Lucy Frazer and Paul Brooker also visited Witchford Village College. The reason for the visits was to congratulate both establishments on the significant improvements they have made in the last 18 months since being assessed by Ofsted as “requiring improvement”. At the latest inspections which took place at the end of last year, both schools’ rankings had changed to “good”. Soham Village College were rated as “good” and even “outstanding” in some cases while Witchford has moved from “requires improvement” in all categories to “good” in all categories.
Lucy Frazer MP praised both colleges, saying “Such significant improvement in such a relatively short time highlights the hard work and endeavour of staff, governors and pupils alike. Turning around an Ofsted result does not happen with ease and both schools should be congratulated for the evident efforts they have made to bring about such a positive outcome. This encouraging progress will hopefully harbour a very positive attitude by all involved to continue on this journey. It was lovely to see how proud the pupils I met today are of their schools.”
Head of School at Soham Village College, Jon Hampson said, “I am very pleased by the formal recognition of the hard work and commitment of the students and staff at Soham Village College. Attainment and progress measures placed the school in the top 25% of schools in 2016 and Ofsted recently described our work to promote pupils’ personal development and to support students as outstanding. The school remains determined to provide all students with the qualifications and experiences which prepare them fully for the next stage of their lives.”
Head boy at Soham Village College, Sam Jarvis said 'I am proud of how the school prepares us for our future endeavours and I am truly grateful for the hard work they have put in for us'
Principal at Witchford Village College, Chris Terry said, “We were delighted by our Inspection Report in 2016 and with the feedback from the Inspection team. We worked very hard since February 2015 to turn around the Requires Improvement judgement. This improvement in results and our performance is a testament to the hugely dedicated Staff, committed Parents and diligent Student body.”
Tim Coulson, Regional Schools Commissioner for the East of England, said of Soham Village College, “The recent inspection report of the school has very well-deserved praise for the work of the school and the higher standards being achieved. Congratulations to the staff and students and we at the Department for Education are pleased to be working with the academy trust as it develops.” Mr Coulson was unable to join the others at Witchford due to prior commitments but added, ”Witchford Academy is a fast improving school and I was delighted to see the school's recent inspection report describe the successes of students and staff. Congratulations to all at the school.”
Regional Director for Ofsted, Paul Brooker commented “I am delighted to have the opportunity to visit these two Cambridgeshire schools today to give them the recognition they markedly deserve. The schools have turned themselves around, with pupils now making good progress, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.”