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Northgate High School maintains high standards in latest Ofsted report

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Northgate High School has secured 'good' ratings across most areas in its latest Ofsted inspection, with inspectors awarding an 'outstanding' grade for pupil behaviour and attitudes.

The big picture: Ofsted inspectors visited the Sidegate Lane school on 3 and 4 December 2024, assessing five key areas of school performance.

By the numbers: The school received the following grades:

  • Outstanding for behaviour and attitudes

  • Good for quality of education

  • Good for personal development

  • Good for leadership and management

  • Good for sixth form provision

Why it matters: The 1,708-pupil secondary school has maintained its overall positive performance since its previous inspection in November 2019, while improving its behaviour rating from 'good' to 'outstanding'.

Northgate High School
Northgate High School in IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

What they're saying: The report praised the school's community spirit, noting: "This is a large school that feels like a tightly knit community. Pupils are highly respectful towards each other and staff. They are exceptionally polite and considerate of one another."

Stand-out features: Inspectors highlighted that "staff have high expectations for pupils' achievement" and that students in the sixth form "are able to achieve the very highest outcomes because teachers have excellent subject knowledge."

Community focus: The report noted the school's inclusive environment: "This is a highly inclusive school. All pupils feel that they can be themselves." It added: "Staff teach pupils about equality and diversity. This means they understand and support each other."

Extra-curricular excellence: "The school provides an extensive range of trips and opportunities for pupils. Many pupils also choose to take part in the varied clubs and activities provided for them. Staff go the extra mile to ensure pupils can explore their many interests."

Areas for improvement: The report noted that learning "is not adapted well enough to meet the needs of some pupils with SEND," recommending that teaching be better tailored to ensure all groups progress through the curriculum effectively.

The bottom line: While maintaining its overall 'good' status, Northgate High School demonstrates particular strengths in pupil behaviour, sixth form provision, and creating an inclusive community atmosphere, while having clear targets for future development.

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Double victory for St Joseph's as young debaters shine

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St Joseph's College students demonstrated exceptional public speaking prowess, claiming victory in both intermediate and senior categories at a prestigious local debate competition.

Why it matters: The double win at the Ipswich East Rotary Club 'Youth Speaks' competition secures both teams places in the Norwich debating chamber finals next month, showcasing local talent on a regional stage.

The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant
The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevantSt Joseph's College

The details:

  • The college hosted the competition on Wednesday, 29 January 2025.

  • The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society.

  • The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant.

What they're saying: "Working with these students and developing their oracy and public speaking skills through debating is such a joy!" said Dr Briege Rice, Stretch and Challenge Coordinator and History and Politics teacher at St Joseph's College.

"These skills are vital in every field, fostering confidence, clear communication and critical thinking. The standard of debating was very high, and we are very proud of this extraordinary achievement of our students," she added.

The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society
The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human societySt Joseph's College

The bottom line: The competition, supported by the Rotary Club, continues to foster key communication skills amongst young people through its Youth Speaks initiative, with St Joseph's teams now preparing to showcase their talents in February's finals.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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