Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School, which was placed in Special Measures in 2014, has been rated "Good" for the first time in its history following a recent Ofsted inspection.
Ofsted inspectors met with the Headteacher, the senior leadership team, middle leaders, and a range of teaching and support staff, as well as the students. An inspector also spoke with the chief executive officer of the multi-academy trust, the local governing representative of the local authority, and the Director of Education for the Diocese of Chester, Chris Penn.
The report states: “Pupils are immensely proud of their school. They value the sense of belonging that they feel in this tight-knit community. Many pupils told inspectors that they feel part of the ‘Boteler’ family. The school community celebrates diversity. Pupils said that the school is a safe space where they can grow, free to be themselves. They are happy.”
Headteacher, Mrs Scott-Herron
Headteacher, Mrs Scott-Herron says: “The school has been on an incredible journey since it was placed in Special Measures in 2014.
“I am extremely proud of all my staff and we have been able to achieve this wonderful report because we work consistently as a team. Everyone in the organisation is as important as each other and we have all had a role to play. We love our jobs and we love being at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School. It is a pleasure to educate the young people of tomorrow and to play a small part in their success.
“We are really excited about the future of the school. I really do have the best job in the world.”
Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School hosted the Bishop of Chester in May 2021 on the day Downing Street announced the names of the new bishops of Stockport and Birkenhead. The bishops enjoyed musical performances from some of the students, including the school samba band. Later they took questions about their faith and the role of a bishop.
Bishop Mark said of the news: "I am delighted for all the staff and pupils at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School. The Ofsted rating they have received is testament to their dedication and commitment to raising standards. When I visited the school in May, on the day we announced the new bishops of Stockport and Birkenhead, I was struck by the warmth of the welcome we received and the thoughtful and challenging questions the students asked us. It was clear then that the school was a joyful place to be. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
Diocesan Director of Education, Chris Penn, congratulated the school on its success: "I am delighted that Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High has been recognised as a good school in its recent Ofsted inspection. The report rightly acknowledges the hard work and professionalism of the headteacher, the staff team, and governors in driving improvement in standards and the quality of education, achieving good outcomes for its students. Inspectors saw first-hand the excellent pastoral support the school offers, built on the school’s strong Christian values, in which every student is valued and has a sense of belonging. Students are immensely proud of their school and being part of the ‘Boteler’ family. I wish to congratulate Mrs Scott-Herron and the whole team on such a positive outcome."
