George Yerosimou, the Headteacher of St. John's School in Epping has written to all parents today informing them that the school is to be the subject of a Section 5 Ofsted Inspection on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th February 2012. The last time the school was subject to an Ofsted Inspection was back in June of 2009 when the school was given an overall rating of "good". To read the previous report, please click here.
In his letter to parents, Mr. Yerosimou explained: "I am confident that we can 
demonstrate to OFSTED the high quality of education we provide for our students, which is achieved through the excellent support of our parents and carers, the dedication and expertise of out teaching and support staff and the commitment of our students to their studies, the school and our community."
A survey has also been sent to all parents and students by the inspections team, asking for feedback on the school.
Epping Forest College in Loughton has been reclassified in a recently published OFSTED report, which grades the college as “satisfactory” from its former “inadequate” classification.
In the report, OFTSED Inspector, Lindsay Hebditch states: “The college has recovered well since its previous inspection when overall effectiveness was judged inadequate. The majority of its provision is now satisfactory, and improving. Staff morale is high and the majority of learners work hard and are happy.”
The report singles out Jeannie Wright, the college’s interim principal, and the new senior 
management at the college for special praise in turning round poor results. Ms. Wright explained: “Staff have a great deal to be proud of. They have worked extremely hard since the last inspection to drive through significant improvements. We are already working on the inspectors’ recommendations of what we need to do to secure further improvement. Our staff are committed to further progress.”
The college has an Open Event on Saturday, June 26, from 10am to 2pm and is taking applications until September 2010 for courses where places are still available. For further information call 020 8502 8778.
Parents or carers of children born between 1st September 2005 and 31st August 2006 must apply for reception places in primary schools by 30th November 2009.
Applications can be made via www.essex.gov.uk/admissions. The site enables parents to search for school information, check admissions criteria, read OFSTED reports, and submit an application right up to the deadline. Parents preferring a paper application form should call 0845 603 2200.
Late applications will be given lower priority, and only considered after all those submitted before the deadline. Parents or carers are advised to indicate more than one preference and to include their priority admissions or catchment school as one of their preferences.
Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Stephen Castle added: “This year over 90% of parents obtained their first or second choice of school, so give yourself the best opportunity of securing one of your preferences by submitting your application on time.”
St. John’s Church of England Voluntary Controlled School in Epping has recently opened its doors to Her Majesty’s Inspector of Schools. I have outlined below an executive summery, which I have put together myself from comments made in the Ofsted report:
Overall effectiveness of the school
St. John’s provides a good standard of education. Students are cared for, guided and supported well and the majority make good progress. Under the leadership of the new head teacher and his strong leadership team, standards, attendance and behaviour have all improved. Teaching is good. Planning is thorough and most lessons cater well for different levels of subject knowledge and understanding. The benefits of changes in leadership, curriculum and staffing made since the last inspection are being seen clearly in the good progress made by current students. Students’ personal development is good, overall. They feel safe and secure in school. The behaviour of the great majority is good.
Achievement and Standards
As in 2008, the school is on course to meet the challenging targets set for the overall number of GCSE passes in 2009 and, while targets in the specialist subjects were missed last year, the current Yerar 11 are on course to achieve much better results.
Personal development and well-being
Racist incidents are rare. Students say that bullying rarely occurs but when it does it is dealt with immediately and effectively. Teachers promote students’ sense of self-worth and confidence. Standards of behaviour, both in the classroom and around the school are generally good. Attendance rates in all year groups is in line with national averages. There has been a significant reduction in temporary exclusions and persistent absences. Students actively participate in charity work and make some good contributions to community life. 
Teaching and learning
The majority of teaching is good. Teachers have good subject and curriculum knowledge. Most students are enthusiastic about their lessons and their learning. Students are regularly assessed and booster or master classes are provided for students in need of support of more of a challenge.
Curriculum and other activities
All statutory requirements are met in Key Stages 3 and 4. In Years 10 and 11, there is a wide choice of subjects and vocational options to meet the needs of the students. There is a good provision for literacy and numeracy across the curriculum.
Care, guidance and support
The school’s systems for tracking students’ progress is efficient and reliably informs staff and parents, helping them to identify the students who need further help. Parents are encouraged to take part by providing feedback to the school on how well their children are attaining targets.
Leadership and management
There is a clear and effective focus on improving standards of students’ work and personal development. The head teacher’s strong ambition and pride in the school is shared across the school community. The school has seen record numbers of applications for places in the next Year 7. The school has a strong and consistent senior and middle leadership team. The Governing Body is well-organised and very committed. The school gives good value for mone overall, but still has to overcome a budget deficit.
Other notable achievements
St. John’s has been a specialist engineering college since September 2006. The school was awarded the Artsmark Silver Award in 2007, the Intermediate International Schools Award in March 2009 and Health Schools Status in April 2009.
To view the full report, please click here. To view the school's current prospectus. please click here.
George Yerosimou, the Headteacher of St. John's School in Epping has written to all parents today informing them that the school is to be the subject of a Section 5 Ofsted Inspection on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th February 2012. The last time the school was subject to an Ofsted Inspection was back in June of 2009 when the school was given an overall rating of "good". To read the previous report, please click here.
demonstrate to OFSTED the high quality of education we provide for our students, which is achieved through the excellent support of our parents and carers, the dedication and expertise of out teaching and support staff and the commitment of our students to their studies, the school and our community."
