Elthorne Park High School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Outcome

Elthorne Park High School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.

What is it like to attend this school?

The school's values of 'proud, prepared, principled, persevere and participate' are embedded at the heart of this school community. Pupils are happy at this inclusive school, which promotes the highest standards in all areas of its work.

They attend very well. Pupils' conduct is exemplary. They thrive in their learning and behave well throughout the day.

Pupils achieve exceptionally well.

The sixth form is popular and continues to expand. Students study a wide range of subjects.

They become mature, re...sponsible and committed to their learning. Students contribute to the development of younger pupils, including running extra-curricular clubs and activities. Students across the sixth form achieve very well.

The school's work on personal development is of a high quality. A wide range of extra-curricular clubs is provided. These include sports and the performing arts.

Participation in these clubs is high, with over 160 pupils taking part in the school's recent drama production. The 'Elthorne Wider Opportunities Days' enhance pupils' appreciation of historic landmarks, culture and places of worship. The school provides careers education and guidance that prepares pupils very well for their futures.

Pupils benefit from a wide range of experiences that enable them to make informed decisions about their next steps in education, employment or training.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has ensured that its curriculum is highly ambitious across all year groups. Each curriculum area is systematically sequenced, with the key knowledge clearly identified.

In Year 7 mathematics, for example, pupils build on the basic principles of algebra, consolidating their learning from the primary school curriculum. In Year 8, pupils tackle more complex algebra. By the time pupils reach Year 10, they can apply their knowledge of quadratic equations in different contexts.

Modern foreign languages are a particular focus, with pupils offered the opportunity to study French, German and Spanish, which remain popular throughout the school. In Years 10 and 11, pupils study a broad range of subjects, including horticulture. The sixth form offers a wide blend of academic and some vocational courses, allowing students to pursue their specific interests.

Pupils benefit from high-quality teaching. Teachers have excellent subject knowledge and deliver content effectively. Teachers use a variety of approaches to ensure that pupils know and remember more.

Pupils' work ethic in lessons is high. They take great pride in the presentation of their work. They produce high-quality work across subjects.

The checks made on pupils' learning are a strength of the school. These ensure pupils develop a secure understanding of the subjects they learn. For instance, Year 12 sociology and psychology students demonstrate a deep understanding of research methods when preparing to answer examination questions.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities achieve highly due to the careful identification of their needs. Staff use this information effectively to adapt teaching and resources, ensuring pupils can access learning successfully. The school continues to make the availability and effectiveness of these adaptations a high priority.

Reading is a key priority. Pupils understand its value. The school promotes literacy in various ways.

Sixth-form students support younger pupils to develop reading skills, while targeted support helps those who have fallen behind to become more fluent and confident readers.

The 'Elthorne Way' establishes clear expectations for both learning and behaviour. High standards of conduct have been established, supported by robust pastoral systems.

Previously high suspension rates have been significantly reduced through the school's decisive action. The school provides targeted support for pupils who require additional help to manage their behaviour. Pupils are exceptionally focused and engaged in lessons.

Low-level disruption is not tolerated.

The personal, social, and health education programme is comprehensive, helping pupils to build confidence and make informed decisions. They understand the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships, how to stay safe online and the risks associated with illegal substances and alcohol.

Pupils are confident, mature and respectful individuals. They appreciate the faiths, cultures and backgrounds of different people. They are able to work collaboratively in teams and as an individual.

Pupils take great pride in representing the school. They actively engage in leadership opportunities. These include involvement in the school newsletter, student council, head student roles, extra-curricular development and the 'Elthorne for Equality' committee.

The school, including the governing body, has sustained high standards, including strong outcomes for pupils and students. Leaders are reflective, responsive and committed to maintaining a high quality of education. Staff are highly dedicated and appreciate the school's efforts to reduce workload.

The 'Elthorne Innovates' initiative provides staff with opportunities to conduct research aligned with the school's key priorities. This enhances their professional development opportunities.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Background

Until September 2024, on a graded (section 5) inspection we gave schools an overall effectiveness grade, in addition to the key and provision judgements. Overall effectiveness grades given before September 2024 will continue to be visible on school inspection reports and on Ofsted's website. From September 2024, graded inspections will not include an overall effectiveness grade.

This school was, before September 2024, judged to be outstanding for its overall effectiveness.

We have now inspected the school to determine whether it has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at that previous inspection. This is called an ungraded inspection, and it is carried out under section 8 of the Education Act 2005.

We do not give graded judgements on an ungraded inspection. However, if we find evidence that a school's work has improved significantly or that it may not be as strong as it was at the last inspection, then the next inspection will be a graded inspection. A graded inspection is carried out under section 5 of the Act.

Usually this is within one to two years of the date of the ungraded inspection. If we have serious concerns about safeguarding, behaviour or the quality of education, we will deem the ungraded inspection a graded inspection immediately.

This is the first ungraded inspection since we judged the school to be outstanding for overall effectiveness in March 2019.