The Regis School

Bognor Regis Community College Inspection report

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126076 Unique Reference Number West Sussex Local Authority 293459 Inspection number 19 °20 September 2007 Inspection dates Sean Hanan HMI Reporting inspector

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This inspection of the school was carried out under section 5 of the Education Act 2005.

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Comprehensive Type of school Community School category 11 °18 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll 1321 School 162 6th form The governing body Appropriate authority Diane Willson Chair David Jones Headteacher 1 June 2005 Date of previous school inspection Westloats Lane School address Bognor Regis PO21 5LH 01243 871010 Telephone number 01243 871011 Fax number

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11-18 Age group 19 °20 September 2007 Inspection dates 293459 Inspection number .

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This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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Further copies of this report are obtainable from the school. Under the Education Act 2005, the school must provide a copy of this report free of charge to certain categories of people. A charge not exceeding the full cost of reproduction may be made for any other copies supplied.

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Introduction

The inspection was carried out by one of Her Majesty’s Inspectors and four Additional Inspectors.

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Description of the school

This is a large community college serving Bognor Regis in West Sussex. The town is an area of coastal deprivation with low basic skills in the adult workforce. The proportion of students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities is well above the national average. The school has specialist status as a sports college. A new headteacher was appointed in September 2007.

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Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 3 of 11 Inspection Report: Bognor Regis Community College, 19 °20 September 2007

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Grade: 3

The college provides a satisfactory education for its students. They join with levels of attainment that are lower than normal. During their time at the college, most students, including those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, progress at a satisfactory rate. The college has made good progress since the last inspection. Standards at the end of Year 11 have risen steadily over the past three years but remain below the national average for maintained secondary schools, particularly in Years 7 to 9. Teaching and learning are satisfactory. Whilst many lessons are good, they are not consistently good across the college and the weaker lessons do not provide students with sufficiently challenging work. The curriculum is appropriate and is being developed well to provide more opportunities for students to engage in vocational education. Most students enjoy being at college, feel safe and are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyles, especially through the wide

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Grade: 3

range of sporting activities. Work-related learning, particularly in the Skills Centre, contributes well to students' economic well-being. Students feel listened to and work hard to support charities. The care, guidance and support they receive during their time at college are satisfactory overall. There is good support provided for those students with behavioural and emotional needs. However, the college needs to do more to help students know what they have to do to improve their work. Leadership and management of the college are satisfactory. Good improvements have had an impact over recent years, particularly focused around the school's specialist status as a sports college. These have had positive effects throughout the college, in areas such as support for learning and strategies to improve behaviour. The college knows itself well and its self-evaluation is an accurate assessment of the relative strengths and the weaknesses in provision. Inspectors

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Grade: 3

agreed with all the major judgements made by the college. The momentum to improve continues under the leadership of the new headteacher. Senior leaders have accurately identified those areas where improvement is required and the capacity for further improvements is good.

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Grade: 3

Provision for students in the sixth form is satisfactory. Students enter the sixth form with attainment at GCSE that is lower than in most schools. Pass rates in A and AS level examinations are below the national averages. Pass rates on vocational courses are good. There is a good choice of courses for students, including significant vocational provision and an appropriate choice of subjects at A and AS level. The choice of GCSE courses in the sixth form is limited. Most students make the progress that would normally be expected based on their prior attainment at GCSE. Teaching and learning are satisfactory. Students are informed about their progress and most know what they have to do to improve their work. However, there is a need to be more consistent about how students' progress is tracked and monitored. Students are confident and they value the good relationships they have with teachers and the individual

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Grade: 3

support they receive. The sixth form committee is active in providing social activities and raising money for charities. Careers support is satisfactory and good guidance prepares students well for higher education. The leadership and management of the sixth form are satisfactory.

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What the school should do to improve further

■ Raise standards, particularly in Years 7 to 9. 4 of 11 Inspection Report: Bognor Regis Community College, 19 °20 September 2007 ■ Ensure that lessons are consistently good and that students are more actively involved and challenged in the learning process. ■ Ensure that students' progress is effectively monitored and that they know what they have to do to improve their work. A small proportion of the schools whose overall effectiveness is judged satisfactory but which have areas of underperformance will receive a monitoring visit by an Ofsted inspector before their next section 5 inspection.

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Grade for sixth form: 3

Achievement is satisfactory. During Years 7 to 11, most students progress at the rate that would normally be expected. Over the past three years, standards have risen, though they are still below average. Students join the college with standards below average. Few have higher level skills, and weaknesses in numeracy and literacy, particularly in writing, constrain progress in Years 7 to 9. Students enjoy their work, but some of it lacks sufficient challenge and achievement is below expectations. Results in the national tests at the end of Year 9 are below average. Standards in Years 10 and 11 are rising. In 2007, improved results in English and mathematics enabled the college to enjoy its highest ever proportion of students gaining five or more GCSE grades A*-C including English and mathematics. Standards overall are below average but this represents satisfactory achievement from a lower starting point. There are, however, considerable

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Grade for sixth form: 3

variations between subjects. In art and design, drama and textiles technology, standards are well above the national averages. As a specialist sports college, all students study physical education (PE) at GCSE with above average results. Most GCSE targets were achieved in 2007 and there were no significant differences in the achievement of different groups of students. Those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities achieved equally with others.

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Grade for sixth form: 2

The support provided to foster students' personal development and well-being is satisfactory. Most students enjoy being in college. 'My daughter has never come home unhappy; in fact, her confidence and attitude are infectious,' writes a parent. Students' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good. A strong citizenship programme is well supported by an awareness of moral issues in religious education. Attendance and behaviour are satisfactory. The curriculum has been adapted to encourage those who are disillusioned to attend regularly. Punctuality to lessons is generally satisfactory. Whilst effective initiatives have led to improvements in behaviour over the past few years, a small number of lessons are affected by inappropriate behaviour. Students feel safe and show that they know how to live a healthy lifestyle; this is particularly encouraged through the wide range of sporting activities. Work-related learning is effective and enterprise education is

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Grade for sixth form: 2

making a good contribution to students' understanding of the outside world. Parents are broadly supportive of the college but feel that even more needs to be done to improve behaviour. The student council is active. Students feel that their views are heard and are proud of the influence they have brought to bear on college life. They take on a range of responsibilities 5 of 11 Inspection Report: Bognor Regis Community College, 19 °20 September 2007 and many develop good team and leadership skills. They are aware of those less fortunate than themselves and work hard for charities, including 'cash for the splash' to raise money by entering teachers in the Bognor Regis 'bird man' competition.

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Grade for sixth form: 3

Whilst good teaching is evident in most subjects, it is not consistently good across the college. There are occasions when students are not provided with sufficiently engaging or challenging work to raise their aspirations and achievement. The best lessons allow students to be active in thinking, discussing and presenting ideas. In these lessons, students know what is expected of them and all are challenged to do well; planning ensures that the full range of students' learning needs are met. In an outstanding religious education lesson about good and evil, for example, the teacher's lively and varied approach, along with strong teacher-pupil working relationships and thorough planning, underpinned the outstanding quality of learning. Typically, teachers use a variety of teaching strategies to engage learners and have good subject knowledge. Behaviour in lessons is satisfactory and most students have a positive attitude

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Grade for sixth form: 3

towards their work. The pace of learning is usually appropriate and enables most students to make satisfactory progress. Students know the standards they are achieving, and, where marking provides diagnostic comments, they understand how to improve their work. However, some marking lacks detail. Whilst some lessons enable students to evaluate their own or other students' work to assist their learning and to work independently, this is not widespread. Although most students know their targets, not all were able to explain what they needed to do to achieve them. Support for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities enables most of them to progress at the same rate as their peers.

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Grade for sixth form: 2

The range of GCSE options is satisfactory and is supplemented by effective vocational courses in Years 10 and 11. Provision for students attending the Skills Centre is good overall. A strong range of courses provides effective progression for many students, including Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) National and GNVQ, making valuable contributions to students' capacity for future economic well-being. The provision for personal, social, health and citizenship education is satisfactory. GCSE students follow a course in information and communication technology (ICT) and make satisfactory progress. Students appreciate and enjoy the sporting opportunities provided during college time and after college. Other curriculum enrichment activities support their experiences adequately. Whilst the college has successfully identified gifted and talented students, planning to meet their needs across the curriculum

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Grade for sixth form: 2

does not challenge them enough to ensure that they reach their potential. Provision for students with specific learning difficulties and/or disabilities is satisfactory. 6 of 11 Inspection Report: Bognor Regis Community College, 19 °20 September 2007

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Grade for sixth form: 3

Students value the wide support they receive from staff. A parent comments 'Teachers treat my son as an individual; they are enthusiastic and encouraging.' The transition from primary schools is smooth and well managed. Most students are well supported in choosing options and making decisions about next steps at the end of Year 11 and in the sixth form. The number of exclusions is high, though recent initiatives, such as providing an alternative curriculum, are effective and are enabling more students to remain in the college environment. Good specialist support is provided for those with behavioural and emotional needs, both in college and by external agencies. Those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and those who are vulnerable are appropriately supported and consequently they make similar progress to others. Most students know the target level or grade they have to reach but many are unclear about

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Grade for sixth form: 3

The recent steps that have been taken to drive improvement have yet to have a significant impact on students' achievements. Planning for an improved curriculum is well advanced and the development of a competency curriculum in Year 7 has had an early impact. The school uses its specialist status as a sports college to provide better sports provision within the community, and to develop good links with local primary schools. It has also had a positive effect on the college as a result of initiatives to aid learning, to improve behaviour and to build positive working relationships. Managers and teachers are working hard to share good practice and improve students' learning, particularly through the coaching programme. The college's evaluation of its own performance is accurate and realistic but targets have not been consistently met over recent years. A strong focus on ensuring equality of opportunity is evident throughout the college. The

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Grade for sixth form: 3

college is compliant with all legislative requirements, apart from the daily act of worship. The financial deficit resulting from an increased expenditure to improve facilities is being addressed. Governors provide strong support to the college, have a good understanding of its needs, and work well as a 'critical friend'. There is a strong sense of cohesion amongst the staff. They generally understand the college's priorities and have high expectations about work and behaviour. 7 of 11 Inspection Report: Bognor Regis Community College, 19 °20 September 2007 .

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Grade for sixth form: 3

in the guidance 'Complaints about school inspection', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. 8 of 11 Inspection Report: Bognor Regis Community College, 19 °20 September 2007

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Inspection judgements

16-19 School Overall Key to judgements: grade 1 is outstanding, grade 2 good, grade 3 satisfactory, and grade 4 inadequate

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Overall effectiveness

3 3 How effective, efficient and inclusive is the provision of education, integrated care and any extended services in meeting the needs of learners? Yes Yes Effective steps have been taken to promote improvement since the last inspection 3 3 How well does the school work in partnership with others to promote learners' well-being? 2 2 The capacity to make any necessary improvements

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Achievement and standards

3 3 How well do learners achieve? 3 3 The standards 1 reached by learners

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Achievement and standards

3 3 How well learners make progress, taking account of any significant variations between groups of learners How well learners with learning difficulties and disabilities make progress

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well-being of the learners?

The extent of learners' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development 2 The extent to which learners adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which learners adopt safe practices 3 How well learners enjoy their education 3 The attendance of learners 2 3 The behaviour of learners The extent to which learners make a positive contribution to the community How well learners develop workplace and other skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being

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range of needs and interests of learners?

3 3 How well are learners cared for, guided and supported?

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range of needs and interests of learners?

Grade 1 - Exceptionally and consistently high; Grade 2 - Generally above average with none significantly below average; Grade 3 - Broadly average to below average; Grade 4 - Exceptionally low. 9 of 11 Inspection Report: Bognor Regis Community College, 19 °20 September 2007

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achievement and supporting all learners?

How effectively leaders and managers at all levels set clear direction leading to improvement and promote high quality of care and education How effectively leaders and managers use challenging targets to raise standards 2 2 The effectiveness of the school's self-evaluation How well equality of opportunity is promoted and discrimination tackled so that all learners achieve as well as they can How effectively and efficiently resources, including staff, are deployed to achieve value for money The extent to which governors and other supervisory boards discharge their responsibilities Yes Yes Do procedures for safeguarding learners meet current government requirements? No Does this school require special measures? No Does this school require a notice to improve? 10 of 11 Inspection Report: Bognor Regis Community College, 19 °20 September 2007

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

I am writing on behalf of the inspection team to let you know the judgements we have made about your college. You told us many positive things about the college, particularly how it has improved over recent years.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ We believe your college provides a satisfactory education for you.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Staff and governors at the college make decisions with your best interests at heart. Through the student council, you play your part well in improving the college. ■ As a specialist sports college, you have many opportunities to take exercise and stay healthy.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Most of you enjoy coming to college, feel safe and you do well when teachers make your lessons lively and interesting. ■ You contribute well to the life of the college and the local community.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

In order to improve further, your college needs to:

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Help you to make better progress in some subjects, particularly in Years 7 to 9, so that you leave college with better qualifications. ■ Provide you with a greater variety of activities in lessons.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Help you to understand more clearly what you need to do to improve your work.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

Thank you for taking part in the inspection and by talking to us openly and honestly about your work and your life in college. 11 of 11 Inspection Report: Bognor Regis Community College, 19 °20 September 2007

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Annex B

Inspection of Bognor Regis Community College, Bognor Regis, PO21 5LH

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Annex B

I am writing on behalf of the inspection team to let you know the judgements we have made about your college. You told us many positive things about the college, particularly how it has improved over recent years.

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Annex B

• We believe your college provides a satisfactory education for you. • Staff and governors at the college make decisions with your best interests at heart. Through the student council, you play your part well in improving the college. • As a specialist sports college, you have many opportunities to take exercise and stay healthy. • Most of you enjoy coming to college, feel safe and you do well when teachers make your lessons lively and interesting. • You contribute well to the life of the college and the local community.

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Annex B

In order to improve further, your college needs to:

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Annex B

• Help you to make better progress in some subjects, particularly in Years 7 to 9, so that you leave college with better qualifications. • Provide you with a greater variety of activities in lessons. • Help you to understand more clearly what you need to do to improve your work.

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Annex B

Thank you for taking part in the inspection and by talking to us openly and honestly about your work and your life in college.

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