School put in special measures over 'poor' teaching and 'very low' attendance

Attendance at the school 'remains very low and well below pre-pandemic levels', according to the report

A secondary school has entered special measures after a report raised concerns over "poor" teaching and "very low" attendance. Ysgol Maesydderwen, in Ystradgynlais, is the latest in a string of Powys schools that have received critical reports from inspectors Estyn.

The report on Ysgol Maesydderwen, which has 542 pupils, found some teachers expectations were "too low" and that "the quality of teaching is poor" although this was only the case in a "minority of lessons". It reads: "Tasks do not support deeper learning, and teachers do not always use questioning effectively to develop pupils’ thinking. Written feedback is often too broad, meaning pupils are unsure how to improve their work."

Estyn's inspector did not include the school's "unverified" data on attendance for this academic year but did state it "remains very low and well below pre-pandemic levels" despite some improvement on the previous year. The report also states subject leaders "tend to be too generous", adding: "Overall, leadership has not had a strong enough impact on improving crucial aspects of the school's work, particularly in improving the quality of teaching and its impact on pupil progress or the progressive development of pupils’ literacy and numeracy skills."

The watchdog found special measures were required and that the school must draw up an action plan to make improvements on issues including teaching quality, leadership and attendance. "Estyn will monitor the school’s progress, usually every four to six months," the inspector wrote.

It comes as an extraordinary Powys council meeting has been scheduled to discuss a damning Estyn report into wider education standards in the county. That report highlighted that there has been a series of “poor” inspection reports for secondary and all-ages schools in the county and that there are leadership weaknesses at all levels, including "political leadership".

Estyn's recommendations to the council include that it should address "urgently important school site security issues" and develop a "financially sustainable" model for 16-19 education. A council spokesman said: “The extraordinary council meeting will take place on Thursday, April 10, which will focus on the Estyn report into the council’s education services.”

The council's cabinet member for learning, councillor Pete Roberts, said he shared the "disappointment" of "everyone associated" with Ysgol Maesydderwen. He added: "This Estyn inspection report gives clear guidance on what is needed to deliver the necessary improvements. We will work closely with the school's senior leaders to make this happen as we begin this improvement journey, concentrating on the recommendations put forward by Estyn as we build on the school's strengths and address the areas of improvement."

Hugh Pattrick, the school's chair of governors, said: "As governors we are obviously very disappointed that Ysgol Maesydderwen has been placed in special measures. Although Estyn recognised positive aspects of the school's work during their inspection, we appreciate there is work to do to improve standards within the school. We would like to reassure parents we are wholly committed to improving standards and ensuring pupils have the best education possible whilst at Ysgol Maesydderwen."