Leaders at Mayflower High School in Billericay have unveiled an ambitious roadmap for the future, building on the momentum of a recent Ofsted upgrade that saw the school move from 'Requires Improvement' to 'Strong Standard' and 'Expected Standard' grades. Deputy headteacher Luke Kilvert, who joined three years ago with headteacher Damian Lee, emphasised that the school is not complacent despite the positive report.
Attendance push to top 5%
One of the key targets is raising student attendance from the top 15% nationally to the top 5%. Mr Kilvert highlighted the direct link between attendance and life chances, stating: "The link between attendance and improving life chances is unquestionable." The school plans to fine-tune its approach to ensure no student is left behind.
Wellbeing and personal development
The school is also focusing on enhancing its wellbeing and personal development offer, including extra-curricular activities, student leadership, and a lifestyle curriculum. Mr Kilvert said: "We want to make sure no student is left out and that the right students are getting access to the right opportunities. We are pushing that to the next level." This includes a more tailored approach to ensure every student benefits.
Curriculum and teaching changes
Leaders are planning changes to teaching, learning, and the curriculum, acknowledging that these improvements take time. "These things often take longer; they cannot be solved by just implementing policy, like behaviour and standards," Mr Kilvert explained. The school is committed to a sustained, long-term approach to academic excellence.
Staff development with coaching
An 'ambitious' plan for staff personal development aims to make continuing professional development (CPD) more bespoke. By the end of next year, every staff member will have a coach, receive fortnightly feedback, and regularly visit each other's classrooms to learn collaboratively. This initiative is designed to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Sixth form focus
Ensuring the sixth form's success is another priority, with leaders working to maintain current efforts and achieve strong A-level results. Mr Kilvert stressed the importance of refining practices to meet individual needs: "It is about reframing and making things that bit more bespoke to the needs of our people. There are lots of next steps, but we are in a position where we are stable and able to drive this forward."
Collaboration and future challenges
The school is adopting a philosophy of doing fewer things well, learning from other institutions. "We have been to other schools which are doing these things and have taken their advice. As a standalone school, we must collaborate and learn from others. It is exciting, but quite daunting at the same time," Mr Kilvert said. He acknowledged the journey ahead: "This is very much the next phase, but it is also us going forward into the unknown. With that comes really good opportunities."
Ofsted recognition
Ofsted noted 'significant improvements' at the school, describing it as a place where 'inclusion permeates' and students 'flourish'. Inspectors praised students as 'polite and courteous' with 'exemplary' behaviour, and staff as 'highly knowledgeable'. Mr Kilvert reflected on the challenges overcome: "The last couple of years have not been without their challenges; there have been bumps along the way. We are, of course, making sure we do not take our eye off the ball and maintain the high expectations we have of students."
