May 20, 2019 4.46 pm This story is over 64 months old

Lincoln school gets top grade from church inspectors

It received an overall grade of excellent

A Lincoln school received the highest grade possible of “excellent” after a review by church inspectors.

Inspectors reported that “pupils flourish exceptionally well” at William Farr C of E Comprehensive School in Welton.

It is one of only a very small minority of church schools across the whole of the Midlands to receive the excellent grade since September 2018 when a new, rigorous, inspection framework was introduced.

The report praised headteacher Andy Stones and deputy Jonathan Knowler for motivating and inspiring staff, as well as for “their unswerving conviction that the fundamental purpose of this school is to serve its rural community”.

The school’s teaching of a unique personal, social and moral education (PSME) subject course was also singled out for acclaim for developing students’ “skills of enquiry and debate”.

Among the key findings in the report were the school’s proven track record of creative and sustainable projects and operational structures demonstrating a compassionate concern for the mental wellbeing of staff and students.

Partnerships forged with the local church, the diocese and organisations such as Stonewall was also highlighted.

The report also states that achievement is above the national average at GCSE and disadvantaged students are catching up with their peers. It goes on to say that the school “is consistently one of the highest performing, non-selective schools in the country.”

Headteacher Andy Stones said: “It has always been the vision at William Farr that we are more than just a school. We are a community where everyone supports each other to be the best we can.

“The landscape schools operate in today are the most challenging I have experienced in my career. To have received such high praise whilst rising to meet those challenges is particularly rewarding. I’m really proud of everyone at the school.”