Brighton secondary school encouraged by Ofsted report

A Brighton secondary school has received a rating of good from Ofsted inspectors in three out of four key categories.

The Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA) was rated good for the quality of its teaching, the behaviour and safety of pupils and for leadership and management.

The schools watchdog said: “A transformation has taken place in behaviour and teaching since the academy opened.”

BACA principal Phil Hogg, who took over what used to be Falmer High School in September 2010, said: “The inspectors’ report acknowledges the challenges that we face and recognises that ‘achievement is improving’.

“Since the academy opened two years ago results have improved by 86 per cent with 41 per cent of students achieving five or more passes at A* to C grades including English and Maths this year.

“Overall 93 per cent of students achieved five or more passes at A* to C grades.

“We are on a journey to transform this school and the prospects for all of our students.

“We have discussed the recommendations with the inspectors and will apply them as we continue to improve and strive for the good and then outstanding ratings which are our goals and which we will achieve.

“We are committed to continuing what the inspectors themselves called our ‘outstanding progress’.

“It takes time for improvements to be embedded enabling ‘an outstanding judgment’ but we have clearly demonstrated that we are on that trajectory.

“We are delighted with the acknowledgment of our journey and I would like to thank our students, their parents and carers, and of course the staff who have been determined to make a difference.”

Meanwhile, a pupil at the school who was being treated for meningitis in a London hospital is back in Brighton and on the mend.