Foreword

A message from the Chair of Governors

Peter Hedges

The Brooke Weston philosophy is one of continuous improvement. It sets its sights high and keeps stretching the boundaries of modern education but never loses its focus on what it's here to deliver—the best possible opportunities for students of all abilities. This is achieved year after year and it is fitting that this year OfSTED have graded all areas of the College as 'outstanding' during their inspection conducted in November 2006. This is a great testament to the achievements and commitment of the staff and students — on behalf of the Governors we congratulate and thank you.

As one of our Governors, Philip Harris-Bridge said on hearing the result: "Snap inspections without notice, really test whether a school lives and breathes excellence each and every day… this confirms that ours does!"

In 2006 the A-level results were the best ever recorded by the College, a just reward for the efforts of Trish Stringer and Gerry Witt who took on the Governors' challenge to increase focus on this area a couple of years ago. The College has consistently demonstrated its ability to add value by enabling students to achieve GCSE results that far exceed the national expectation based on Key Stage 3 results. This year is no exception; for the third year running the College has recorded 100% of its GCSE students achieving A*–C grades and many of the underlying trends are also impressive:

• More students than ever gaining five or more higher grades in traditional GCSEs as opposed to GNVQs – this now stands at 96%
• Best ever results in: English 97% A*–C, Maths 90% A*–C, Design and Technology 98% A*–C
• Well above national average of A* and A at 28% overall (national figure 19.1%)

The Key Stage 3 tests, which were again taken by students in Year 8 (one year ahead of the national norm), were well above average and in line with the impressive results achieved last year. This has enabled Brooke Weston to extend its opportunity to prepare students for GCSEs, allowing some to sit exams earlier and others more time to prepare for these critical exams.

The fact that we continue to be rated as one of the two top comprehensive schools in the country remains a great accolade for the students who ultimately achieve these exceptional results; however we must also recognise and congratulate the teaching staff who deliver their profession so admirably and effectively and, of course, the parents who provide so much support and encouragement for their children.

All of this success doesn't just magically happen; it takes vision, tenacity and strong leadership right from the top of the organisation. I was therefore personally thrilled when earlier this year Peter Simpson was formally recognised for his contribution to education by being awarded the OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

This year has been yet another busy one, this Governors' Review of the Year is a mere snap-shot of what goes on 'behind the scenes'. It is pleasing that prudent management of resources and the revenue that we receive through the excellent work of the CTC Trading Company and @tain, has enabled us to continue to invest in maintaining the quality of the learning environment. During the year the restaurant has been refurbished, landscapes have been improved, exterior woodwork has been painted, the mini-buses have been renewed and we have continued to invest heavily in ICT equipment such as laptops and electronic whiteboards.

At the annual residential in November, Governors enjoyed meeting new staff and the heads of department at what was a very productive and informative meeting. With the departure of Clare Haworth to Hong Kong early in the year Governors were glad to be able to formally welcome Rachel Steele onto the senior management team as Vice Principal. Rachel had previously been head of English.

The future remains very bright for the College. As always there is a raft of internal goals and aims which include the proposals to potentially convert to an Academy and an associated major capital investment in a new innovation wing. The College continues to lead projects that will help improve standards of education locally with, for example, its development of the Corby Academy and input into the formation of a new primary school at Oakley Vale. Brooke Weston also maintains its links as an excellent school transferring skills to benefit the local cluster and continuing close charitable links with the Lakelands Hospice.

This introduction is just a 'taster' of the more detailed content that you will find in this review; we hope that you find it both enjoyable and informative. My thanks particularly go to Caroline Freeman, James Heppell, David Frost, Ian Watts, Paul Newton and Jerry Lee and many other worthy contributors from the College in helping pull it all together.