Countesthorpe Leysland Community College
Countesthorpe Leysland Community College is a coeducational secondary school with academy status, situated on the western edge of Countesthorpe in Leicestershire, England near the A426. It was formed in 2016 by the merger of Countesthorpe Community College and neighbouring Leysland High School. The college forms part of The South Leicestershire Learning Partnership, a multi-academy umbrella trust.[1] Countesthorpe Community College was established in 1970 with Tim McMullen as its first Head,or Warden, followed in 1972 by the notable educationalist John Watts as Head Teacher. They both developed it as a progressive "open school".[2]
| Countesthorpe Leysland Community College | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
Winchester Road , , LE8 5PR England | |
| Coordinates | 52°33′14″N 1°09′32″W |
| Information | |
| Type | Academy |
| Motto | Be the best you can be |
| Established | 1974, 2016 |
| Department for Education URN | 138529 Tables |
| Ofsted | Reports |
| Chair of Governors | Mrs S. Uprichard |
| Principal | Ms C. Aitcheson |
| Gender | Coeducational |
| Age | 11 to 18 |
| Enrolment | 1650 |
| Colour(s) | Black, Grey and White |
| Academy Trust | Countesthorpe Leysland Community College Trust |
| Predecessors | Countesthorpe Community College Leysland High School |
| Website | http://www.clcc.college/ |
College facilities
The college occupies the buildings previously used by its predecessor institutions. The former Countesthorpe Community College buildings are notable for their circular plan. The architect was John Barton of Farmer and Dark. The sculpture that was previously in the middle of the courtyard is one of three versions of Dunstable Reel by Phillip King.[3]
The seniors department of Birkett House School is located on the site of Countesthorpe Leysland Community College and its students attend lessons at the college and use its sports and catering facilities.[4]
Concerns and criticism
In July 2019, the college was judged to be "inadequate" by Ofsted. During the inspection, inspectors found serious failings in safeguarding and pupil well being, they discovered that many students feel unsafe at school, found poor behaviour exhibited by a significant group of pupils and they identified shortcomings in the quality of leadership offered by Principal Catherine Aitcheson and her senior leadership team. [5] [6] Concerns have also been raised about the poor quality of toilet facilities available at the college [7] which was reported in both local and national media. [8]
Notable alumni
- The band members of Kasabian are ex-students of the college. The college is mentioned by name in the BBC comedy series Big School, in series two, episode four, during a question and answer session about Kasabian.
- Harvey Barnes, professional footballer[9]
- Pete Morton, singer songwriter
- Wayne Dobson, magician/entertainer
References
- "THE SOUTH LEICESTERSHIRE LEARNING PARTNERSHIP - Overview (free company information from Companies House)". Beta.companieshouse.gov.uk. Retrieved 2019-06-05.
- The Guardian 22 October 2007 Obituary: John Watts
- English Heritage research report 33-2012 Post-war school buildings Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2016-09-10. Retrieved 2016-07-10.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50114946
- https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-news/school-pupils-dont-feel-safe-3410041
- https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-news/secret-filming-shows-inside-school-3488844
- https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/school-toilets-look-smell-bad-20853585
- Stevens, Samuel (26 May 2020). "Harvey Barnes: Time For Reflection". Leicester City FC. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
Further reading
- J. F. Watts (1977), The Countesthorpe Experience (Allen & Unwin), ISBN 0043730035