Headteacher Update

June 2023

Academy Update

Last week we received confirmation from the Department for Education that our application to convert to Academy status and join the Pele Trust has been approved. We have now received our Academy Order, but that is by no means the end of the process as we now move into a period of intensive due diligence to ensure that the decision to join the Pele Trust is in the long term best interests of John Spence and its community. We are working closely with the Trust and continue to recognise the significant benefits of being part of a larger organisation, indeed I have been working with other High School Headteachers this term exploring how we will work together as well as sharing the strengths of each of our schools. If everything proceeds as expected, then we will be converting on 1st November 2023; in reality there will be no visible change on that day, but in the long term it is our vision that, as a group of schools, we will all grow stronger, more quickly.

OFSTED Update

In my update following OFSTED, I reported that we were disappointed with the outcome. I have now received the draft report and this remains the case, meaning that I am now in the process of robustly challenging some of the comments, which I do not believe are an accurate reflection of our school. This view is echoed by the Local Authority and our School Improvement Partner. Whilst the outcomes of the inspection will not change, I am hoping that some amendments will mean that the report is a much fairer reflection of the school. I will let you know as soon as the report is published later this term.

The Lion King

I am delighted that so many of our students have been involved in our production of The Lion King, their dress rehearsal to some of our feeder Primary Schools this week was an absolute triumph! Performances are on Tuesday and Wednesday next week and tickets will sell out, so please get your tickets asap so that you do not miss out!

National Sports Week

Under Mr Pilkington’s guidance we have delivered numerous opportunities this week for students to engage and show their potential in sport. It has been a real success with incredible levels of participation and a fantastic afternoon on Wednesday where lots of other high schools came to John Spence to play in a range of sports. Thanks Mr Pilkington and all those involved in delivering a fantastic week of sport.

Strike Action

You may be aware that members of the NEU will be taking industrial action on the 5th and 7th July. Due to events taking place in school and the Year 7 residential to Ford Castle, there may be some limited disruption on these days and there is the potential that some year groups may not be able to attend school on 5th July. We are working through the plans now and we will endeavour to keep any disruption to an absolute minimum; we will share details as soon as they are confirmed next week.

Finally, please remember that school is closed to students on Monday 26th June for a teacher training day.

I hope you have a great weekend.

Best wishes
Jonathan