Allenbourn Middle School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

Allenbourn Middle School provides an outstanding quality of education for its pupils. Attainment is above national averages and pupils make outstanding progress. Achievement in English and mathematics is outstanding by the end of Year 8.

Those who join the school in Year 8 make rapid progress. Pupils acquire very good learning skills and use them confidently across all subjects. Progress in mathematics is particularly strong because of very high expectations and a concentration on developing a deep understanding of mathematical thinking and processes.

Many pupils can speak about their learning in each subject eloquently and with confidence, and writing and reading skills are very well develope...d. Much of the teaching is outstanding and virtually all is at least securely good. It promotes inquisitiveness and generates very high levels of enthusiasm in pupils to tackle challenges and produce work of the highest quality.

Behaviour around the site and in lessons is exemplary. Pupils show considerable thought and respect for each other, and for adults. Pupils feel safe in school and say that instances of poor behaviour are very rare.

The school is exceptionally well led and managed. Staff and governors demonstrate very high levels of commitment to obtaining the best outcomes for everyone. The headteacher's vision and high standards are communicated clearly, and the well-developed systems for development planning, self-evaluation and managing performance drive continual improvement.

Leaders at all levels in the school show an excellent understanding of their roles and feel accountable for whole-school improvements. Work with other local schools stimulates high quality discussion about the nature of very good teaching and learning. The increase in the proportion of outstanding teaching this year is evidence of a strong capacity to sustain improvement.

Pupils' social, moral, spiritual and cultural development is supported impressively. There is a very wide range of activities and opportunities for pupils, beyond the normal school day, which complement the well-planned and expertly delivered curriculum, and enable pupils to acquire a wide range of important skills and experiences.

Information about the school

Allenbourn is larger than the average-sized middle school.

The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is much smaller than average. The majority of pupils are of White British heritage and the proportion who speak English as an additional language is low. The school has a special unit for pupils with dyslexia funded by the local authority.

The proportions of pupils who are disabled or who have special educational needs supported at school action, at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs, are lower than average. Some pupils leave the school at the end of Year 7 to attend other secondary schools, and others arrive at the beginning of Year 8. The school meets the government's current floor standard which sets the minimum standards for attainment and progress.