Belvidere School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Students in all year groups achieve exceptionally well and significantly above the national averages by the end of Key Stage 4 in a number of subjects, particularly in mathematics, science and humanities.

This is as a result of outstanding teaching in these subjects. Although attainment and progress levels fell in English in 2012, the results for 2013 show that achievement in English is now well above the national average and current information shows it is set to improve further. Teaching is consistently good and frequently outstanding.

In almost all lessons, teachers use their excellent subject knowledge to plan work that is ch...allenging and gives students opportunities to work independently. Feedback to students is good but occasionally written feedback could be more informative. Students from different groups, including disabled students and those who have special educational needs, and those who receive additional funding, make excellent progress because of the additional well-tailored support they receive.

Students' behaviour around school and in lessons is excellent. They show high levels of respect for staff and each other. They have very positive attitudes to learning which are reinforced by the high expectations of staff.

The curriculum has improved significantly since the previous inspection and now meets the needs of students well. The rich variety of extra-curricular activities and educational visits in this country and overseas have a very positive impact on students' social, moral, spiritual and cultural development. The headteacher and senior leadership team have high aspirations for the school and provide excellent leadership.

All staff share their commitment to improve the quality of teaching and provide the best education for all students. The governors are well informed and committed to improving the quality of teaching and raising achievement. They have always been supportive and are now increasingly challenging senior staff to improve standards within the school.

Information about this school

This is a smaller than average-sized secondary school. Almost all students are from White British backgrounds. There are very few students from minority ethnic backgrounds or who speak English as an additional language.

The proportion of students known to be eligible for pupil premium, which in this school provides additional funding for students who are eligible for free school meals and those in the care of the local authority, is broadly average. Approximately fifteen percent of Year 7 and 8 students benefit from the nationally funded catch-up programme. The proportion of disabled students and those who have special educational needs supported at school action is broadly average.

The proportion supported at school action plus or through a statement of special educational needs is above the national average. 12 students attend part-time vocational courses provided by Walford and North Shropshire College, and County Training in Shrewsbury. The school meets the government's current floor standards for secondary schools, which set the minimum expectations for students' attainment and progress.