Ofsted publishes its report after visiting Hartlepool's High Tunstall College of Science

The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) has published its latest report after visiting High Tunstall College of Science, in Elwick Road, Hartlepool, on January 28-29.

Inspectors have described the school as “very inclusive” with “high expectations” for its 1,392 students.

But they also highlight the “inconsistencies in the quality of education that pupils receive”.

The report is the first for High Tunstall since Ofsted’s move away from overall inspection grades.

The college was rated “good”, the second highest of four grades, when it was previously inspected in 2021.

Individual areas are still graded with quality of education and leadership and management rated as “requires improvement” while behaviour and attitudes and personal development are “good”.

The new report says: “High Tunstall College of Science is a very inclusive school, where pupils are happy and safe.

"The school often goes to great lengths to support pupils and their families. As a result of this care, relationships between pupils and staff are positive.

“The school has high expectations. However, there are inconsistencies in the quality of education that pupils receive.

“Lessons are focused, purposeful and typically free from distractions. Pupils are polite and conduct themselves maturely, including at social times.”

It continues: “The school’s curriculum is broad and ambitious. However, across the curriculum, the impact of teaching is variable.

“Teachers are subject specialists. They explain concepts clearly. However, they do not consistently check pupils’ understanding closely enough.”

The report says pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) “are supported closely” and that attendance, “including for those who are vulnerable”, is high.

It adds: “Leaders are respected by staff and the wider community.”

Headteacher Mark Tilling commented: “There are many positives in the report which is testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment from everyone involved at High Tunstall.

“We’ve also already started addressing the areas in the report where Ofsted indicated we need to improve.”

Chair of governors Timothy Blades said “Mark and all of the staff work incredibly hard to do their very best” for the pupils, adding: “Student numbers have grown rapidly at High Tunstall in recent years which is a measure of the high standards which we constantly strive for.”

Got a story for the Hartlepool Mail? Send us your words, pictures and video through our Submit Your Story portal