Inspectors return to Pyrland School in Taunton – and praise progress after damning report

Paul JonesNovember 4, 20250 Comment0

PYRLAND School in Taunton is “rapidly improving” according to a report following a recent visit by inspectors.

In April, the former Taunton Academy was slammed by Ofsted inspectors, who said it was ‘inadequate’ across the board.

That verdict came after an inspection in January, just weeks after the departure of a former head teacher.

In September, inspectors returned – and have now issued their verdict.

They singled out the progress made by senior leaders to improve the school since it was given the support of the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership (MNSP) earlier this year, highlighting improvements in pupil behaviour and the “harmonious environment” in lessons.

Since January, it said “substantial changes” to the leadership of the school had taken place.

“The quality of education that pupils are receiving is rapidly improving,” the report said. “The curriculum now identifies the key knowledge that pupils need to learn.

“Learning is sequenced so that pupils can build on what they already know and can do. The curriculum takes into account the gaps that pupils have as a result of the previous weak curriculum.

“A new shared approach to assessment has been established so that gaps in learning and progress through the curriculum can be identified.”

It went on: “Leaders have prioritised reading. Pupils read daily to improve their fluency and enjoyment of texts.

“Pupils who struggle with reading are provided with effective support. A range of strategies, including a new phonics programme, has been implemented to support pupils to read well.

“Extensive external support has been provided by the MNSP multi academy trust. School staff feel that the trust has provided the expertise needed to tackle the serious issues identified at the January 2025 inspection.

“The school has utilised the resources available to it effectively. This includes working with staff in other schools within the multi academy trust.

“Leaders feel that this had been instrumental in supporting the school to develop its curriculum and improve behaviour across the school.”

Pyrland School in Taunton was slammed by inspectors in January – but has made progress

Reacting to the update, executive head teacher Mark Lawrence, said: “I’m really proud of the whole Pyrland community.

“This rapid improvement is thanks to the hard work of our staff, plus the support and efforts of students and their families.

“Pyrland is an amazing community school and these really positive comments from Ofsted demonstrate a turning point for us. I’m looking forward to seeing the school go from strength to strength.”