Imberhorne School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher and senior leaders lead the school with passion and determination. Leaders, including governors, are ambitious for academic success and in enabling pupils to be happy and well-rounded individuals.

Staff strongly support leaders' vision and appreciate the comprehensive professional development provided. Senior and middle leaders know what the school's strengths are and those aspects which could be even better. Appropriate steps to promote further improvement are underway, although leaders do not always evaluate the impact of their actions precisely enough.

Governors show admirable commitment to the community ethos, which pe...rmeates the school. However, they lack the expertise to hold leaders stringently to account. Teachers' excellent subject knowledge fosters an eagerness to learn across the school.

Pupils show highly positive attitudes. Teaching is good overall and improving. However, there are some inconsistencies in teaching.

Teachers do not use assessment information consistently well to provide the right level of challenge and support to pupils. Current pupils are making good progress. GCSE results show that, previously, disadvantaged pupils made less progress than other pupils nationally.

Leaders' actions have ensured that differences are now diminishing for disadvantaged pupils. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make good progress. Vulnerable pupils receive timely and effective support when required.

Throughout key stages 3 and 4 some boys do not make the progress of which they are capable. Pupils' behaviour is good. The school is a harmonious environment, with pupils showing respect towards each other and adults.

Strong relationships between staff and pupils help pupils feel safe and secure. Students in the sixth form have high aspirations, and their achievement is improving rapidly. However, the work experience element of some students' 16 to 19 study programmes is limited.

The curriculum throughout the school is commendably broad. Pupils also benefit from a wide range of cultural and sporting extra-curricular activities and trips.

Information about this school

Imberhorne School is a larger-than-average-sized mixed comprehensive school.

It has a large sixth form. The school is on a split site with Years 7 to 9 based in the lower school, a mile away from the upper school. The proportions of pupils from minority ethnic groups and those who speak English as an additional language are below the national average.

A below-average proportion of pupils with SEND attend the school. The number of pupils who are disadvantaged is also below the national average. One pupil currently attends alternative provision at Crawley College.