Somervale is now a leading school in the country for student progress. The school has recently been placed in the top 10% of schools based on the progress made by students at GCSE. The GCSE results in 2016 were confirmed as outstanding by a number of government publications which place Somervale as second for student progress in BANES.
As stated by Joanna Postlethwaite, Associate Headteacher, ‘The last few years of GCSE results at Somervale have been best in the schools’ history and are a testimony to the hard work and dedication of the students and staff. I am extremely proud of the resilience and outstanding attitude to learning of the students that has led to this success.’
As a dynamic and successful school in a modern environment, Somervale is able to design learning around the needs of each child with the expectation that all make outstanding progress. Being a small school enables Somervale to encourage all students to take the lead and develop personal responsibility. Its size allows all students to be known and valued.
The 2016 OFSTED inspection judged Somervale as ‘good’ in every category and ‘good’ overall. The OFSTED team said ‘Your students are a delight to talk to and you can be proud of the way they conducted themselves during the visit’ and ‘Students, parents and staff all make very positive comments about the culture of care, support and high levels of concerns for all students well-being and all-round development, as well as their academic achievement’.
OFSTED also said; ‘Students are keen to do well and current students in all year groups are making strong progress,’ indicating that students of all abilities and all ages do exceptionally well. Levels of progress in English and Mathematics have been above national average for a number of years.
The school’s attendance is outstanding as is behaviour in and around the school; ‘Students behave well in lessons and around the school, they are extremely polite and respectful of adults and each other. Behaviour at break times and lunchtime is safe and sensible.’ OFSTED.
OFSTED also comment on the excellent culture within the school by stating ‘It is difficult to imagine a friendlier and more harmonious community’.
Over three million pounds has been spent on the school during the last four years, which includes a new full size 3G astro-turf. All students participate in our excellent enrichment programme. We have a vast number of extra-curricular activities available throughout the year which include the school production, Ten Tors, Duke of Edinburgh and a wide variety of sport, art and music activities.
All students leave school with an understanding of how to learn, think creatively, take risks and handle change. The visually stunning Sixth Form building, at the front of the school, demonstrates an ambition to excel as an 11-19 provider. A little known fact is that in 2016 Somervale had the highest proportion of students in any Secondary in B&NES progressing on to University – a remarkable achievement.
The school prides itself on academic achievement, but also the care, support and guidance it provides young people. High quality teaching and learning, innovative curriculum design and the very highest expectations in all that we do, are key priorities.
As part of the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership, Somervale benefits form the collective strength of many schools working together. Our aim is to ensure all children attend ‘good’ or better schools and make outstanding progress, whether this is in the Year 1 phonics screening or at A’ level. The Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership now comprises 10 schools with over 3,500 children and close to 500 teachers and support staff. This means all MNSP schools can benefit from a collective wisdom that simply doesn’t exist when you work in isolation. There are exciting plans afoot to support subject areas, extra-curricular provision and improve leadership and teaching across partnership schools. Somervale, will of course benefit from this collaborative approach to school improvement and as a result, will continue getting better and better.
