Wensleydale School is celebrating after inspectors praised its ambitious curriculum, inclusive ethos and wide range of opportunities for pupils in its latest Ofsted inspection.
The Leyburn secondary school was inspected under Ofsted’s new framework, introduced in November, making it one of the first schools in North Yorkshire to be assessed using the revised system.
Rather than issuing a single overall grade, the new framework provides separate evaluations across a range of areas, giving parents a more detailed picture of school life.
Wensleydale received a ‘strong’ judgement for inclusion, which headteacher Julia Polley described as recognition of the school’s commitment to ensuring every pupil is known as an individual and supported to succeed.
According to the school, it is the first secondary school in North Yorkshire, at the time of its inspection, to receive a Strong judgement for inclusion under the new framework.
All other areas of the inspection were graded at the ‘expected’ standard.
Inspectors praised the school’s broad and well-designed curriculum, noting that pupils typically work hard and remain focused in lessons. They also found that pupils enjoy coming to school, feel safe and benefit from positive relationships with staff and fellow students.
The report also highlighted the school’s careers programme, which provides pupils with opportunities to engage with employers, apprenticeship providers, colleges and universities. Inspectors noted that almost all pupils progress to appropriate education, employment or training after leaving the school.
Beyond the classroom, inspectors recognised the breadth of extracurricular opportunities available, including sport, music, chess, gardening, craft clubs, the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Combined Cadet Force.
Mrs Polley said: “We couldn’t be more pleased that the report reflects what families see every day: a school where pupils are known, supported and encouraged to make the most of every opportunity. And we are especially proud that Inclusion was recognised as a Strong standard.
“For us, that is not about lowering expectations. It is about knowing pupils well, removing barriers, and making sure every young person has the support, confidence and challenge they need to succeed.
“We want pupils to enjoy coming to school, to feel that they belong, and to leave us with the confidence, skills and qualifications they need for the future.
“We are proud of the relationships across the school and the breadth of opportunities available, but we are also ambitious about what comes next. Our focus is on continuing to raise standards, strengthening teaching even further, and making sure every pupil is challenged to achieve their best.”
While the report is largely positive, inspectors said the school should strengthen its personal development curriculum so that all pupils consistently understand the importance of using respectful language.
Ofsted also said leaders should ensure highly effective teaching is embedded across all subjects and year groups, and that all pupils, including disadvantaged children, consistently achieve well, develop detailed knowledge and skills, and produce high-quality work across the curriculum.
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