Ofsted School Inspection, 2008

A comment by one parent at the school 'My child is now more aware of what they need to do to improve their level' accurately reflects the changes made at Trevelyan Middle School. The quality of education provided by school is now satisfactory. The leadership and management have developed rigorous monitoring and evaluation of both pupils' and the school's performance. This has enabled them to make significant steps towards resolving all of the issues raised at the previous inspection. The school has continued to developed areas of strength, particularly the caring, supportive and enriched education it provides for the pupils.

Achievement is satisfactory. Pupils reach average standards by the end of Year 8 from broadly average attainment when they enter in Year 5.

The school has significantly improved its monitoring and evaluation of teaching and learning. They are secure in their judgment that teaching and learning is satisfactory. Senior leaders know the strengths and weaknesses, and have implemented appropriate training. The use of the schools improved assessment data and marking, which helps pupils to see more clearly how to improve, has been a key area in staff training. Relationships between teachers and pupils are good and pupils generally work with interest and enthusiasm.

The ethos of the school is one of caring for others. This has led to good personal development and well-being. These are reflected in the good attendance levels and the good behaviour of the majority of pupils, which make a significant contribution to the school's calm and welcoming atmosphere. Pupils enjoy being at Trevelyan School. Pupils' appreciate the wide range of opportunities for activities, outside of lessons, and are very keen to be involved in them. Pupil's contribution to the school and wider community is good, as in a mentoring programme where Year 8 pupils help Year 6 with their preparation for national tests.

The school has good links with local middle and upper schools and the impact of the federated specialist arts status has had a significant impact on the development of the arts, including performing arts, at the school. A significant number of pupils are annually involved in a 'musical' performed for parents and the local community.

Systems for evaluating teaching and analysing achievement and standards are much better and consequently, the school is now able to identify its strengths and weaknesses. However, there is inconsistency in the quality of leadership by some managers. Action taken by senior leaders and middle managers is now focused on raising standards. This, with the challenge and support of an improved governing body, is ensuring more coherence and consistency in the school's work, which is beginning to tackle the weaknesses. This demonstrates satisfactory capacity to improve. Therefore in accordance with section 13 (5) of the Education Act 2005, HMCI is of the opinion that the school no longer requires significant improvement.

What the school should do to improve further

• Use assessment information and marking more effectively to help pupils see clearly how to improve.
• Improve consistency of teaching and learning so that lessons are planned in order that teaching is challenging and matched to pupils' individual needs.
• Improve standards in mathematics, particularly in Years 6 and 8.
• Ensure that all senior and middle managers have appropriate management skills in order to implement planned improvement.