Fulford School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils who attend Fulford School are aiming for academic excellence. The school provides support, care and guidance to ensure that success is possible for all pupils. Pupils thrive here.

The school is driven by strong moral values. These values determine all aspects of pupils' experience. The 'heart' values of honesty, empathy, ambition, resilience and tolerance are ones that pupils live out every day.

Pupils develop in confidence and are encouraged to find their voice.

High expectations underpin all aspects at Fulford School, from academic success to attendance, character to conduct. The school has designed strong pastoral systems that prioritise inclusion a...nd support for pupils.

Staff know pupils well. Pupils are valued as individuals. Many parents and carers appreciate the support that the school provides for pupils who have faced challenges.

The school celebrates success in all its forms, and both pupils and parents value the rewards system.

Leaders have created an inclusive community in which difference is valued and discrimination is not tolerated. Pupils recognise this as a distinctive aspect of their school experience.

Pupils are routinely taught about respect and tolerance. They are confident to challenge any injustice or discrimination.

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

The school has designed a curriculum that is aspirational for all pupils and engages them with learning beyond examinations.

Leaders have thought carefully about the curriculum knowledge that will allow pupils to contribute effectively to society. Through all subjects, pupils learn about the impact of current affairs, diversity and equality. Pupils at Fulford School are moulded to be citizens of the future.

The school recognises the importance of creating a culture of reading. A range of initiatives in place across the school ensure that pupils are encouraged to read widely and often. Subject leaders carefully weave reading opportunities throughout their curriculum.

Sixth-form students talk with enthusiasm about 'recommended reads'.

The school has extremely high aspirations for the academic success of all pupils. It ensures that pupils are supported to reach these goals.

Many pupils study separate sciences at key stage 4. Leaders have prioritised languages across the school. Staff support students entering key stage 5 well to help them choose from a wide range of academic and vocational qualifications.

In classrooms, the curriculum is delivered consistently well. Teachers ensure that pupils can remember what they have learned. They help pupils to make connections between what they already know and new learning.

Teachers' subject knowledge is extremely strong, and new content is delivered with enthusiasm and expertise. The school has ensured that teachers have a strong understanding of how pupils learn. Teachers use this expertise to design lessons effectively.

They routinely check for gaps in pupils' knowledge and close these quickly. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are expertly supported to access this ambitious curriculum alongside their peers. Pupils across school, including those with SEND, achieve exceptionally well.

In lessons, pupils mirror the enthusiasm and commitment modelled by teaching staff. Pupils are motivated and respectful. They engage willingly in their own learning.

Pupils enjoy academic debate, exploring and challenging each other's opinions intelligently. The school has consistently high expectations for pupils' attendance, conduct and behaviour. Leaders ensure that pupils are taught how to meet these expectations.

If pupils find this a challenge, leaders put in place highly effective, personalised support to ensure no child is left behind.

The school has placed a strong focus on pupil well-being. Pupils appreciate the support available from a wide range of pastoral staff.

They trust that staff will tackle any reports of bullying quickly and effectively. Pupils treat each other with maturity and consideration.

Leaders support pupils to succeed beyond their academic studies.

Pupils have access to a wide range of opportunities outside the classroom designed to broaden their horizons. Pupils throughout the school make good use of these opportunities. Key stage 5 students value the enrichment programme and the chances to volunteer in the community.

An impressive student leadership programme encourages pupils to excel.

Leaders have ensured that staff feel proud to work at Fulford School. There is a strong focus on professional development and ensuring that staff, as well as pupils, achieve their potential.

Staff believe that their opinions are considered and that leaders listen. Governors are strongly committed to the school's continued success and share the vision for excellence of school leaders.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.