Prospectus 2008/2009

Quality Assurance

OfSTED Report 2006

Government Inspectors awarded Brooke Weston the highest possible grade, praising management, staff and students during its most recent OfSTED inspection. They commented that 'Brooke Weston is an outstandingly successful College that seeks excellence in all that it does … Students make excellent progress in all years because of the consistently high quality of the teaching.'

Brooke Weston was deemed to be 'outstanding' by inspectors. The 'can-do' attitude and the commitment of management and staff were highlighted in the report. Inspectors looked at five key areas: Overall Effectiveness, Achievements and Standards, Personal Development and Well being, Quality of Provision and Leadership and Management and gave the top grade which equates to 'outstanding'. In each category Inspectors heaped praise on the Brooke Weston's working practices and positive approach.

Brooke Weston, which has one of the largest sixth forms in the county, was praised for the 'outstanding quality of education' in the Sixth Form where students 'make first rate progress in Years 12 and 13 and their achievement is outstanding.' They noted that the levels of support given to those studying further education courses was 'exceptional, going well beyond the taught curriculum and the taught day.'

Inspectors reported:

"[Brooke Weston's] outstanding provision and ethos ensure that students' personal development and well being are excellent. Confident, lively and enthusiastic, students clearly enjoy being at school and their behaviour is exemplary." The broad range of opportunities offered to students was also commented upon: 'Brooke Weston has gone further than most schools to tailor the curriculum to individual students and to broaden the opportunities available to them.'

The report also said: 'Students are unstinting in their praise of the high quality of the care, guidance and support they receive. "We are all considered equal in this school" was a view shared by many students and several gave examples of how individual teachers had helped them personally and academically. Staff see themselves and students as 'a group of learners moving forward together,' a view that is reinforced by the daily use of shared working spaces and eating areas.'

'The outstanding quality of the relationships between students themselves and with staff' was also identified as another factor along with the extended day, the personalised curriculum, which meets individual needs, the focus on ICT and the fostering of independent learning skills all contributed to the high level of excellence in all that happens at Brooke Weston.

ISO Quality Assurance

The ISO EN 9001:2000 Quality Assurance Standard is awarded to few schools and Brooke Weston is proud to be one of the first state schools to secure it.

Investors in People

The Investors in People award also forms an important part of our quality assurance procedures with regard to training. Brooke Weston has held this award for several years and in 2008 we were reconfirmed as an Investor in People. These awards, among others, such as being positive about disabled people require continued scrutiny and vigilance to ensure we continue to deliver a quality service.

Complaints and concerns

Parents may contact Brooke Weston at any time about matters which concern them. We will always investigate any complaint speedily, efficiently, fully and fairly and a response should usually be given within 24 hours. Complaints should be addressed to the member of staff best placed to respond.

Our receptionists will help to put you in touch with the right person. Complaints about the curriculum and related matters will normally be resolved in consultation with the student's tutor who will liaise with the appropriate departmental staff. However, when an outcome cannot be agreed, the tutor or parents should refer the matter to one of the Vice Principals and ultimately the Principal who will seek to find an acceptable resolution.

Although we would hope that no parent would ever need to use the procedure, if no solution is found then the complaint should be put in writing and sent to us marked for the attention of the Chair of Governors.

The Chair will acknowledge receipt of the complaint and outline the way in which it will be investigated. Parents' views will be sought and every effort will be made to conclude the matter as quickly as possible.

2008 Prospectus