A Wiltshire secondary school has again been rated ‘Good’ following its latest inspection by the education regular Ofsted in January.

The John of Gaunt School in Trowbridge says it is “delighted” to be recognised as a ‘Good’ school by Ofsted following the two-day inspection on January 23 and 24. The report found that the school continues to be Good in all categories.

The John of Gaunt School has 1,261 pupils and Ofsted’s visit follows a short inspection in May 2018 and a full inspection in March 2014 when it was rated Good.

 Inspectors highlighted that the school’s values of Kindness, ‘Positivity and Belonging’ underpin school life and recognised the school’s desire for all its students to achieve well and be prepared for adult life.

The inspectors described the school curriculum as 'ambitious' and noted the extensive support students receive to raise their aspirations.

The inspectors also commented on the school as being highly inclusive where bullying is rare and not tolerated, diversity is celebrated, and all students have a voice.

The report highlights the wide range of activities on offer to students, from the arts such as steel drums, orchestra and drama productions, to sports events and Ten Tors to the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

The school’s headteacher Ben Rhodes said: “I am delighted that Ofsted have recognised the academic and pastoral strengths of our school, all of which are underpinned by our values of 'Kindness, Positivity and Belonging' and driven by our pursuit for 'Excellence every day'.

“The inspectors were rightly impressed with all of our staff who deliver our 'ambitious' curriculum, and with our students who consistently demonstrate high levels of engagement across the school.

“As headteacher, I was proud that the inspectors commented on our tangible sense of community and recognised how we nurture and care for each student.

“Both I, and the staff, now look forward to the next phase of our development to become a centre of national excellence.”

The detailed report also noted strengths in careers guidance, the preparation for adult life, personal, social health education and reading.

The Ofsted inspectors said that to improve further, teachers need to ensure that pupils can recall the things they learn and to encourage pupils to take advantage of the additional opportunities offered.

Ofsted said: “Some pupils have difficulty recalling their learning over time. This hinders their ability to link together concepts and ideas.

“As a result, these pupils do not successfully re-apply their knowledge and skills to new situations. The trust should ensure that pupils are given sufficient opportunities to recall and embed their learning.

“Some pupils are not taking up the additional opportunities provided by the school. This means they do not benefit from aspects of the wider curriculum for character development or the study support programmes offered. The trust should further encourage pupils to take part in all aspects of school life.”

In April 2023, The John of Gaunt School joined EQUA Multi Academy Trust, recognizing this, the inspector wrote, the trust provides staff with a wide range of continuous professional development. This work is enhancing curriculum design and developing teaching skills. 

Paul Skipp, chief executive of EQUA Multi Academy Trust, said: “I am thrilled that the inspection has once again recognised The John of Gaunt as a good school.

“The school provides so many wonderful opportunities to its students and I am so pleased the inspectors recognised this, and have written such a positive report.

“This really is testament to the hard work of the staff and students and the wonderful loyal support of the parents and wider community.”

Click here to read the Ofsted report.