Somervale School

About

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Story

Somervale is situated on an attractive, open site with extensive playing fields, close to the centre of Midsomer Norton. Our modern, well-equipped buildings were first opened in 1965 and were extensively added to in the 1970s. It is a school for both girls and boys from 11 to 19.

In September 2000 Somervale became a specialist Media Arts College and enjoys the benefits of the very latest technology and technical expertise.

In September 2009 Somervale federated with Norton Hill School to form the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership. Both schools are now led by the same headteacher, Alun Williams, and have one Governing Body. This has enabled the school to broaden its curriculum offer, enhance teaching through sharing staffing and provide economies in procurement of services.

The Partnership was strengthened still further in October 2010 as both schools became ‘Early Adaptor Academies,’ a permission given to outstanding schools. Academy status means the schools are now directly funded by central government and also allows the schools to control its total budget.

Over two million pounds has been spent on major refurbishment and new buildings in the last two years. This includes new windows and roofs, a new TV and radio studio, a new library, a refurbished Hall and Dining facilities, and a new IT network. In April 2012, a new Sixth Form Centre was opened giving students outstanding facilities in which to learn.

Somervale School was awarded a ‘good’ judgement by Ofsted in January 2013 in recognition of this outstanding progress. Examination results hit record levels in 2011 and the school was rightly recognised by Nick Gibb, the Schools Minister, as one of the best 100 schools in the country for progress.

A Small School Ethos
As a small school, Somervale offers greater opportunities for pupils to be involved in and to lead activities. Its size allows all pupils to be known and valued. When I first visited I was impressed with how quiet and purposeful the school is and visitors often remark on how friendly it is too. When Ofsted visited in 2013, they too were deeply impressed by the high standards of behaviour seen in both lessons and around the

school. Pupils have the chance to work in our media facilities – TV and radio – which are unrivalled in the area. They can work with our Beautiful Futures Team on a range of horticulture projects which have won acclaim regionally. These types of opportunities are not something every school can offer and students here are rightly proud of their achievements in these areas of the curriculum. Because of its size, small classes and wide range of opportunities, one parent described Somervale recently as a being: ‘like a private school without the fees.’