Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are proud to attend Kesteven and Sleaford High School. They thrive in the extremely positive culture that the school has established.

In classrooms, pupils engage eagerly with the high-quality learning opportunities that staff provide. Pupils work hard and take pride in their successes.

Staff share the very highest expectations of pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Pupils achieve exceptionally well. This is demonstrated consistently in external examinations. Most pupils go on to take advantage of the superb sixth-form offer.

Students in the sixth form are very well prepared to go on to aspiration...al destinations.

The school's programme for personal development is especially well considered and complements the academic curriculum. The programme has been designed precisely to give pupils the knowledge and skills they need to flourish.

Pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe and healthy. They know why equality and diversity matter and understand the fundamental British values. The sixth-form enrichment programme includes sessions about cooking and guidance on managing finances.

Pupils, and students in the sixth form, take on leadership roles enthusiastically, such as house captains and subject prefects. They are proud to support their peers and the school community.

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

The curriculum is exceptionally broad and ambitious.

In key stage 3, it stretches pupils to gain knowledge beyond the expectations of the national curriculum. This prepares pupils to be successful in key stage 4. The vast majority of pupils study all of the subjects that make up the English Baccalaureate.

In the sixth form, students choose from a very wide variety of challenging academic and vocational courses. The curriculum has been very well designed to meet the needs of all pupils. The school has thought carefully about where adaptations might be needed to make sure that pupils with SEND can be successful.

In all subjects, the curriculum is well sequenced. Pupils build on what they have learned before as topics become increasingly complex. Subjects are further enhanced by enrichment opportunities.

For example, pupils can join clubs in creative writing or journalism to further develop their talents and interests in English. Trips to Europe complement learning in French and German, as well as providing memorable cultural experiences.

Reading is an important part of the curriculum.

Pupils read often from challenging texts that cover a broad range of genres. They enjoy access to a well-stocked library. There is good support for weaker readers that helps them to gain fluency and confidence with their reading.

Teachers are subject specialists. They use their knowledge and expertise to deliver clear explanations and prepare learning activities that require pupils to think deeply. Teachers check pupils' understanding carefully and often.

They ask questions that promote discussion and deepen pupils' understanding. Thoughtful feedback helps pupils to improve their work. Staff accurately identify any pupils with SEND.

They routinely make sure that these pupils can work independently and achieve well.

Pupils, and students in the sixth form, consistently display exceptionally positive attitudes to their studies. They engage thoughtfully and enthusiastically with all learning activities.

When a task is demanding, pupils rise to the challenge eagerly. Behaviour is exemplary. No time is wasted in lessons.

Around school, pupils are polite and respectful of each other and staff. Sixth-form students are highly motivated. They use independent study time purposefully.

Attendance is excellent.

The school provides strong support for pupils' well-being. Pupils learn how to maintain good mental and physical health.

When pupils need extra help, this is provided by well-trained and compassionate staff. Some sixth-form students act as well-being ambassadors for younger pupils, who value this support. Pupils benefit from lessons in maintaining positive relationships and friendships.

They learn how to use the internet and online applications safely.

Pupils, and students in the sixth form, benefit from high-quality advice about future education and career choices. Subject curriculums connect learning closely to career possibilities.

Assemblies and tutor-time activities promote aspiration and keep pupils well informed.

Trust leaders, trustees and governors know the school very well. They share the school's vision to provide an exceptional academic and personal development offer for all pupils.

The trust provides strong support and rigorous challenge to school leaders to ensure that this vision is realised.

Staff are immensely proud of their school. They value opportunities to continue to develop their expertise and support to manage their workload.

Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the school. One parent typified the views of many with the comment, 'The school really does want every child to flourish.'

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.