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New inspection results have been published by the independent education watchdog relating to visits to the Cottesloe School.
Across seven categories the school was found to be performing at ‘expected standard’ in six clauses with the watchdog rating the institution as being of a ‘strong standard’ in the other category.
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The school’s personal development and wellbeing was found to be of a strong standard. The Cottesloe School is performing at the expected standards in terms of its achievements, attendance and behaviour records, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance, and post-16 provision.
Inspectors credited the school with developing a “comprehensive personal development programme” which helps pupils “grow into responsible, resilient and respectful young people”.
“They know how to avoid risky behaviour outside of school and while online,” the report states.
In the achievement category Ofsted found that pupils in Year 11 assessments are typically in line with the national average.
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Leaders within the school were credited with closely monitoring trends and patterns in absence. “Where pupils require additional help to attend well, leaders engage positively with parents and external agencies,” the report adds.
Ofsted inspectors found that mostly pupils attend school regularly. They also found that the school had “high expectations for pupils’ behaviour”. This includes established routines and rules for pupil conduct which students understand, according to Ofsted.
“Suspensions are used appropriately. Instances of bullying, discrimination and derogatory language are rare,” Ofsted found.
Ofsted says the school’s curriculum is broad and tailored to pupils’ needs and interests. Ofsted found teaching at the school was most effective when teachers followed the school’s agreed approaches. “Sometimes, misconceptions are not addressed before pupils move on to new learning,” the report states.
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Ofsted credited the schools’ collaboration with feeder primary schools to identify potential pupils “where specific pastoral support may be needed”. The report states that “teachers receive expert training about how best to support pupils”. Ofsted adds that this includes information on how to support children with special education needs.
Ofsted praised the success of small reading and handwriting practice groups that help those who need it.
Leaders have a clear and accurate view of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, Ofsted says. It adds that leaders have high expectations for pupils’ achievement.
The watchdog also found that governors and leaders share the same vision for the school. Parents feel included within the school’s decision-making, Ofsted also noted.
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The school’s sixth form programme was described as “ambitious” by Ofsted. Sixth form students consistently act as ‘positive role models’ to their younger peers, inspectors found. Ofsted also noticed a high participation rate among students completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
“The school is a calm and warm environment,” Ofsted concluded. “Pupils feel safe and want to attend. This is because leaders have built a culture based on mutual respect where pupils look out for each other. During lessons and at social times, pupils behave well.
Ofsted’s next steps for the school is to “ensure that highly effective teaching strategies, including effective checks on pupils’ learning, are fully embedded across subjects and used with precision to further deepen pupils’ learning.”
Ofsted’s report can be found here online.
Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to Bucks Herald, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.
Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to Bucks Herald, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.