Joseph Rowntree School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. Students make good progress across the school and reach above-average attainment by the end of Year 11. This represents good achievement from their broadly average starting points when they enter Year 7.

GCSE results in mathematics and science are particularly impressive and progress in English is accelerating rapidly. Teaching has improved rapidly since the previous inspection and is now good overall, with examples of outstanding practice in all key stages. The leadership and management of teaching and learning are strong and emphasise the vital link between teaching and achievement.

Students have a high regard for teachers and teaching... assistants. Students are very proud of their school and feel safe within its walls because, in their words, 'we are treated as individuals and the staff go the extra mile to help us'. Students behave well and have good attitudes to learning.

The Autistic Centre promotes students' self-esteem well and teaching assistants here and across the school support students sensitively and effectively. Exceptional leadership by the headteacher, who is ably supported by the deputy headteacher, has led to marked improvements in all areas of school life since the previous inspection. The sixth form is good.

It is well led and progress and attainment are much better than two years ago. It is not yet an outstanding school because : There is a minority of teaching that requires improvement and not enough is outstanding. Good and exemplary practice is not fully shared across subject departments.

On occasions, students are not required to find things out for themselves and, therefore, do not always take enough responsibility for their own learning. There are also not enough opportunities for students to practise and develop their literacy skills in all the subjects they study.

Information about this school

This is a larger-than-average-sized school and student numbers have increased since the previous inspection.

The proportion of students supported by the pupil premium, which provides additional funding for students known to be eligible for free school meals or looked after by the local authority, is below average. The percentage of students from minority ethnic heritages is much lower than usually seen and there are few students at early stages of learning English. The proportion of students supported at school action is below average.

The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is also lower than the national figure. The school meets the current government floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for students' attainment and progress. The Joseph Rowntree School is a specialist technology college, holds nationally accredited Healthy School status and has the Artsmark (silver) award.

When it moved into its new building, over two years ago, it established the Autistic Centre, which has places for 10 students who attend from within the local authority area and beyond. These students also attend classes in the main school. The school does not use off-site provision.