Church Stretton School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school School leaders have high expectations, which the school community is determined to meet. They ensure that teaching and the curriculum meet pupils' needs so all can achieve.

Pupils appreciate being part of an inclusive community that strives for excellence. Year 11 pupils are ambitious to secure the best outcomes possible. They are exemplar role models to younger pupils.

Pupils show care for one another and respect for visitors. This is because their behaviour and attitudes are consistently positive. Most pupils rarely miss a day from school.

In most lessons, pupils are eager to learn. Consequently, they demonstrate good behaviour... for learning. Poor behaviour is rare.

A revised curriculum has improved pupils' engagement and motivation. As a result, pupils' progress is strong. There is good teaching in the school.

Most lessons are carefully planned with appropriate levels of challenge. Many pupils are stretched to work and think hard. School leaders have reviewed the use of additional funding for disadvantaged pupils.

Outcomes for these pupils are improving. In 2018, attainment at the end of Year 11 was above average, although progress dipped to below average. Pupils' current progress is strong, and their attainment is good.

Occasionally, work is too easy for some or teaching moves on too quickly for others. Teaching staff do not have enough opportunities to learn from the most effective practice in the school. The presentation and quality of boys' written work is not good enough.

The effectiveness of middle leaders varies too much. Changes to the school day and to lunchtime have restricted the range of out-of-school activities available. At a strategic level, governors and leaders create informed plans but do not always keep a close enough eye on the impact of their actions.

Pupils are safe in school but routines for checking paperwork lack rigour.

Information about this school

Church Stretton School is part of the South Shropshire Academy Trust (SSAT). It is a smaller-than-average secondary school.

The school has a local governing body and the SSAT board of trustees oversees its work and effectiveness. The headteacher of Church Stretton School is also chief executive officer of the SSAT. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is broadly average.

The proportion of pupils with SEND is broadly average. Most pupils are White British and speak English as their first language. The school does not use any alternative provision for pupils.

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