New Lisneal College inspection highlights inadequacies

The follow-up inspection report published just yesterday highlights serious inefficiencies in the delivery of core subjects whilst detailing shortfalls in strategic planning and communication within the institution.

Whilst the report noted improvements in several areas including the implementation of a consistent approach to pupil

behaviour, the confidence and effectiveness of many teachers in bringing improvement in teaching and learning and

the effective use of systems leading to success in public examinations-in other areas the reports was highly critical.

The report states Science had improved but said: “The standards achieved in English have fallen since 2010 and are

well below the NI average for non-selective schools.

“There is currently no effective strategic plan which will direct all staff to work towards improving and maintaining standards.”

The report also states: “Overall, the quality of education provided by the school remains inadequate-the significant areas for improvement outweighs the strength in provision.

“There are important areas for improvement (which were identified in the 2010 Standard inspection) in standards, in

learning and teaching and in leadership and management, which remain inadequate and need to be addressed urgently

if the organisation is to meet effectively the needs of all the learners.”

The report from the Inspectorate also detailed the areas requiring improvement and stated: “The need for the Principal and the extended Senior Leadership Team to provide strategic direction, which will guide and direct the work of newly appointed assistant principals and of key members of middle management. To draw up an action plan which is focused more sharply on the need to improve teaching and learning and raise standards and to put in place rigorous arrangements for monitoring, evaluation and feedback on a regular basis in order to ensure that improvement is taking place.”

The Inspectorate concluded by saying that a further follow-up inspection will be carried out and published within the next 12 months.