Head’s fear for school as ‘sacrificial lamb’ (From Bournemouth Echo)
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Head’s fear for school as ‘sacrificial lamb’
7:50pm Monday 15th December 2008 in Search By Steven Smith
A SCHOOL whose headteacher fears could be a “sacrificial lamb” under a shake-up of the system in Purbeck, has received an encouraging Ofsted report.
But the headteacher of Wareham Middle School said the gloss was taken off the achievement with news of Dorset County Council’s decision to embark on a public consultation over changing from a three-tier system to a primary and secondary structure in the district.
The idea is to soak up 900 surplus places, but reaction has been mixed.
Iain Clark, head at Wareham Middle School, has spoken out against the plans and said his school’s satisfactory report from inspectors had been tarnished by fears over its future.
He said: “It is safe to say that in a way we have had the wind taken out of our sails.
“Despite the uncertain future, my staff and I are determined to make Wareham Middle School even better for the children currently with us, and, let’s be optimistic for those who will be coming to us in years to come.
“To lose the middle schools from the Purbecks will have a huge impact for many years. There is no guarantee that a move to a two-tier system will raise attainment.
“The review is taking place because of surplus places and is not a standards issue, but there is a feeling that the middle schools are being used as sacrificial lambs in this proposed restructure.”
Inspectors said the school was “on the brink of moving forward strongly”.
They said pupils’ enjoyment of the school was outstanding, praised parental and governor support and said the curriculum offered was good.
Weaknesses identified included the standards of writing for boys in years five and six.
Inspectors said Mr Clark had done much to encourage leadership and making sure that high expectations and better achievement were at the heat of the school’s plans.
He added: “Everyone connected with the school can be proud of how well it is performing.”
