Bristol secondary school rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted

A secondary school in Bristol has been rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted inspectors who have raised multiple concerns – including over safeguarding.

Inspectors said Montpelier High School “does not feel like a safe place for some pupils”, “bullying goes unresolved”’ and “the curriculum lacks ambition”.

England’s schools standards watchdog added many pupils cannot identify an adult in the school they trust to share worries with, and do not have confidence staff will protect them from physical and verbal abuse.

The former Colston’s Girls’ School, on Cheltenham Road, was last inspected 12 years ago and judged ‘outstanding’.

Pupils played a pivotal role in the school’s name change – photo: Martin Booth

In a letter to parents, the school wrote: “We are extremely disappointed to inform you that the school has received an overall rating of ‘Inadequate’.

“We accept the Inspectors’ findings that Montpelier High School is in need of significant improvement and we wholeheartedly apologise for the shortcomings identified in the report.

“We recognise that you will feel shocked and let down by this outcome and we want to reassure you that immediate steps are being taken to put things right.”

It continued: “While it is disheartening that the report includes minimal or no mention of our long track record of excellent results and outcomes, our ethos of diversity and inclusion and our extensive enrichment opportunities, we recognise that external scrutiny is an important factor in school improvement.”

“We are determined to get MHS back to a rating of at least ‘good’ in all areas as soon as possible and to aim for the highest rating of ‘outstanding’, which was the judgement the school received at its last inspection.”

Our Anti-Bullying Committee attended some fantastic training this week for the @DianaAward & will be committed to tackling bullying at MHS. Thank you for such a great day #abconamission @VenturersTrust @BristolEdu #workhardbekind pic.twitter.com/OJNMRCsrIN

— Montpelier High School (@MontpelierHigh) May 26, 2022

Reporting on the school’s safeguarding, Ofsted said: “Pupils describe not feeling safe in school. They feel threatened by unruly behaviour. A significant number of pupils and parents do not have the confidence that staff will tackle bullying effectively. As a result, some pupils feel vulnerable to the potential of physical and verbal abuse.

“Leaders are developing a whole-school approach to sexual harassment and abuse, but some staff and governors do not understand these issues well enough.”

Ofsted visited Montpelier High School over three days in March and May. Of five areas, two, behaviour and attitude and leadership and management were rated ‘inadequate’. The rest were judged ‘needs improvement’.

Between 2010 and 2020, the school was exempted by law from routine inspection, so there was a longer gap than usual between inspections.

Positive areas highlighted include the school’s celebration of diversity, promoting equal opportunities and democratic processes. In November 2020 after a vote by staff and students, Colston’s Girls’ School became Montpelier High School.

The school has invited parents to attend meetings in June to discuss the report.

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read more: Montpelier High School pupils reflect on name change 

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: