Ofsted Inspection - March 2019
Dear Parents and Carers
By way of introduction, it is important to appreciate the significance of the Ofsted inspectors’ findings that “this school continues to be good.” Such unremarkable wording must be placed in context to avoid undervaluing their judgement. In the years since Ofsted last visited Icknield Community College the DfE has driven the school improvement and accountability agendas with vigour and raised expectations year by year. To retain the Good judgement with such a positive commentary is, therefore, a very considerable achievement.
Mat Hunter and his team received just half a day’s notice of the recent Ofsted inspection, a timescale that ensured inspectors saw teachers and pupils going about their daily business; nothing contrived for the visit, nothing hidden from eagle-eyed professionals. Given the timescale it is to the school’s very great credit that the inspectors found hard evidence that “you and your leaders have dedicatedly provided educational experiences of substance and worth for your pupils.” Gratifyingly, “the staff know the pupils very well” and “pupils also commented to inspectors that the best thing about the school was ‘the way that teachers give you additional help’.”
This independent Report did not contain any surprises for Mat Hunter and his staff, a sure sign that self-evaluation and challenge are working well for the pupils. In the words of the inspectors “You, your leaders and the local governing board know the school’s strengths and areas for development very well.” Where improvements are required “you do not believe in quick fixes and the new approaches you have put in place are designed to lead to sustainable improvements”.
On behalf of the governing body I commend this report to you and offer since thanks and congratulations to Mat Hunter and his entire team; our young people are fortunate to have such an inspirational group of educators to support their learning and development.
David Marcou
A link to the letter from Ofsted can be found here.
Headteacher's Welcome
In a rapidly changing world, we want to ensure that all our students at Icknield Community College are prepared and motivated to make a difference, both now and in the future and wherever they may go. Under our guiding principle of ‘Excellence for All’ , we want all connected with the school to realise the potential they have in as many aspects of their lives as possible.
Our Ofsted Report (March 2015) stated that "The headteacher, leadership team and other senior leaders set very high expectations for the school.They have established an ethos that encourages and supports good behaviour, attitudes and learning." Collectively, students, staff, governors and parents work together to achieve the challenging targets of excellence we have set for ourselves.
We always aim to improve so that we can meet the needs of all students, guiding them to achieve excellence in whatever path they choose. We all take great pleasure in hearing about the successes of our students after they move on, whether at Oxford and Cambridge or completing their apprenticeship with flying colours. These successes are down to individual hard work and the individually-focused learning, challenge and support Icknield Community College keeps at the heart of its teaching.
I hope this website will encourage you to come and join us and find out more about what we are doing to shape the future of our school and the futures of our students.
To see what Icknield has to offer, please view our School Review of the Year 2017-18.
Mat Hunter Headteacher
