At the start of this year huge changes were introduced to how schools are inspected. Historically, Ofsted gave schools an overall rating following an inspection: Outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate.
But since the changes, schools are instead given a rating for seven different key areas. As the school year comes to a close, we’ve taken a look at the secondary schools which have been inspected under the new parameters.
There have been three to receive these reports so far: Coundon Court, Cardinal Wiseman, and Stoke Park School.
Only one of these schools, Cardinal Wiseman, received anything less than ‘expected standard’ in all of the key areas. Cardinal Wiseman received ‘expected standard’ in most areas but two areas – curriculum and teaching and post-16 provision – were found to ‘need attention’.
Inspectors had the most praise for Coundon Court, which was found to have a ‘strong standard’ in the areas of inclusion, leadership and governance, personal development and wellbeing and post-16 provision. It was rated ‘expected standard’ in all other areas.
Stoke Park School was found to be ‘expected standard’ in all areas.
What did inspectors say?
Coundon Court
Coundon Court School has been praised in its latest Ofsted report
This school was described by Ofsted inspectors as ‘supportive and inclusive’ where pupils ‘feel safe and encouraged to succeed’. There was particular praise for the Year 7 ‘bridge provision’.
The atmosphere at the school was described as ‘calm and orderly’. Inspectors added: “Pupils enjoy attending the school because of the high aspirations that leaders have.”
There was also praise for the post-16 pupils who ‘act as role models’ for younger pupils and run societies such as law, medicine, mental health and wellbeing. Inspectors said: “Many students successfully progress on to ambitious destinations and high-quality pathways, including elite overseas universities.”
Describing all the young people who attend school, the report states: “They are confident, articulate and responsible young people who are well prepared for their future education and for taking an active role in society.”
You can read the full Coundon Court report here.
Stoke Park School
Stoke Park School in Coventry
Inspectors said pupils ‘feel safe’ at this school and that ‘bullying is not an issue’. The report adds: “Pupils celebrate difference and diversity as they see this as an important part of their school community.”
The report identified ‘gaps in basic knowledge at Key Stage 3’ but added that ‘pupils make suitable progress in learning the curriculum’. It also noted recent improvements to pupils’ behaviour. Inspectors said: “Leaders have renewed their approach and expectations around pupil conduct. This is having a clear impact…in lessons pupils typically try hard and do their best, although there can be some variation in this. The school takes action effectively and promptly when pupils find it hard to meet their high expectations.”
The report also identified recent improvements in post-16 provision, finding ‘rapid and effective action to improve standards in the sixth form’. The report noted: “This has included giving students well-informed advice and guidance about their choice of sixth form courses. Leaders have been resourceful in expanding the sixth form offer to include additional subjects, delivered at other school sixth forms, that meet students’ needs and interests.”
You can read the full Stoke Park School report here.
Cardinal Wiseman
Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School(Image: Google Maps)
Inspectors found some areas where improvements need to be made at this school, but they still had some overall praise. The report described the curriculum and teaching as ‘too variable’ due to ‘inconsistencies in how well teachers check that pupils understand key learning’ It also noted that ‘sometimes, teachers do not successfully implement the agreed changes of activities fo pupils with barriers to their learning’. However, it adds: “In a few subjects, leaders are in the process of redesigning the curriculum and organising the key knowledge that pupils need to remember in a clear and logical order. However, the curriculum is taught well in many subjects.”
When it comes to post-16 provision, the report notes that students’ achievement in A-Levels is ‘significantly below the national average’. However, inspectors found that improvements are being made. The report states: “Leaders are tackling these weaknesses directly. They now check the quality of the curriculum and teaching carefully, as well as the effectiveness of the support provided for students.”
Overall, inspectors found Cardinal Wiseman is a school were ‘pupils enjoy their learning and typically do their best’. They praised the ‘interesting range of visits’ and said: “Pupils of all backgrounds feel well supported and cared for by staff. This creates a harmonious and happy school in line with its ethos.”
You can read the full Cardinal Wiseman report here.
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