Newsletter October 2012.pub - Kibworth High School

17 th September 2012
When I became Chair of Governors, several years ago, we reported annually to parents in the form of our Annual
Report; changes in regulations and other avenues of communication have now replaced this Annual Report. The
governors believe that a shortened report, in the form of this letter, is still appropriate to communicate the
progress of the school.
Academy status. As an Outstanding School, were we eligible to apply for Academy status and converted
on 1 October 2011. I would emphasise that the School’s ethos, curriculum and admissions policy,
including special needs has not changed; the decision was made primarily to safeguard our current
outstanding status in these uncertain financial times. Whilst there have been additional or changed
responsibilities for the School and the Local Authority there has also been additional funding;
importantly however the education of our pupils has not been adversely impacted.
Results. This is probably the most visible and direct measure of the school’s performance. Our results
have consistently exceeded those at both national and Leicestershire level. The 2011/12 teacher
assessments announced prior to summer holidays show an even higher percentage of children
achieving the benchmark Level 5, (all subjects in the mid to high 90%),. What is more significant is
the increasing numbers attaining the higher grades continuing our exceptionally good results. Full
details are on the school website.
Finance. The funds to run the school as an Academy now come directly from the Government. Ofsted in
their 2010 report stated “Value for money is outstanding. The school is well maintained with finances
managed very efficiently”. The Finance Committee approves and monitors a school budget, which for
the first Academy period (11 months October to August) 2011/12 was approx 2.6 million, driven largely
by the number of pupils in the school. The expenditure is controlled by specific budgets for each area,
with termly reporting to Governors who approve Controls Assurance and Best Value statements
annually. As an Academy we are required to produce externally audited annual accounts.
Technology. The significant use of the technology within the School continues. Over the last year pupils’
reports became available on line, although a paper version will still be available. Homework is also
being made available on line, again with provision to ensure that any without access are not
disadvantaged. The School now has a wireless network which will enable greater flexibility in the use
of IT within the School
Future developments. Whilst an ‘Outstanding School’, there can be no room for complacency, the
Governors and the Strategic Leadership Team (SLT) are continually looking for improvements,
including the proposed all weather pitch (for School and Community use).
Other sources of information I would encourage you to visit the school website http://
www.kibworthhigh.leics.sch.uk/ where most of the information resides along with links to other useful
sites.
I would encourage and welcome any feedback on this newsletter and remind you that the governors can be
contacted through the school on any issues of concern or suggestions for improvement in the School. Additionally
we shall endeavour to ensure that a governor is available on all parent evenings. The current governors, in
addition to the headteacher, Angela Edwards, are listed on the Website together with their area of responsibility.
We currently have vacancies for one Staff and two Community governors.
After many years, I am now stepping down as Chair, although I will remain a governor; I have every confidence in
Andy Munro, my replacement as Chair to continue the progress Kibworth has made over the years
Brian Kearvell-White - Past Chair of Governors
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