Clifton Hunter High School
Clifton Hunter High School raised its inspection score to ‘Satisfactory’, posting improved results in most individual areas. Inspectors noted that teachers and students were challenged by facilities that were “often less than ideal” for learning at the 9-year-old school built for $110 million.
According to the Office of Education Standards report, “Leaders’ and teachers’ higher expectations of students’ behaviour had brought about a marked improvement in the manner in which students conducted themselves around the school. Their behaviour and attitudes towards learning were now good and resulted in generally orderly classrooms and largely good conduct as they moved around the large campus.”
Clifton Hunter received a 'Weak' rating in its previous full inspection in September 2018. In two subsequent 'follow-through' inspections in March and November 2019, inspectors found the school had made 'Weak' progress in implementing recommendations.
Principal Richard Wildman became head of Clifton Hunter in August 2019.
"Leadership of the school was now good overall. The Principal ... provided inspirational leadership. Working effectively with senior and middle leaders, he had transformed many aspects of the work of the school," inspectors said.
During the recent inspection that took place 3-6 May, Clifton Hunter improved its ratings in 11 of 18 individual categories.
'Satisfactory' is the minimum level of quality required in Cayman Island schools.
Clifton Hunter has 785 students on roll from Years 7 to 11.
Inspectors found that students had improved their progress to 'Good' in English, Mathematics and Science -- although attainment in Mathematics and Science remained 'Weak'. Students had 'Good' attainment in English.
In addition to raising standards of achievement in Mathematics and Science, particularly in Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9), inspectors recommended that Clifton Hunter improve the consistency of teaching quality to appeal to the highest- and lowest- achieving groups of students.
Additionally, inspectors noted that the high school facility often acted as an impediment to teaching and learning.
Clifton Hunter opened in 2012 and was constructed at a cost of $110 million.
"Teachers and students did their best to make often less than ideal teaching areas operate effectively," inspectors said.
They advised, "Working with the Ministry of Education, [school leaders should] review the accommodation to ensure that it provides students and teachers with appropriate spaces to deliver high quality teaching and learning."
Because Clifton Hunter was rated 'Satisfactory', it will not be inspected again until the next cycle of inspections beginning in January 2023.