Keswick School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils thrive at this school. They strive for excellence and their conduct is exemplary. Around school, pupils are polite, well-mannered and considerate towards others.

They take pride in being ambassadors for their school. Pupils are happy.

Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve exceptionally well.

Students in the sixth form flourish. They successfully move on to a variety of destinations, which include further education, apprenticeships and employment.

The school provides pupils with many opportunities that help them to develop their talents and interests.

These include a 'philosophy café...' and a range of clubs in sports, chess and 'globetrotting'.

Sixth-form students make a significant contribution to the lives of younger pupils at the school. For example, they willingly take on roles as reading buddies, subject mentors and school councillors.

They organise societies that support pupils to achieve their academic aspirations, such as the pursuit of various careers. Pupils become confident and independent young people.

The trips that pupils enjoy help them to deepen their understanding of the subjects that they study.

For instance, pupils visit places locally and further afield, nationally and internationally.

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

Trustees and the school have established a highly inspirational environment, where everyone is valued and included. Trustees have a precise understanding of the school's performance.

They provide a high level of support and challenge to the school and carry out their statutory duties with expertise. The school is fully committed to helping pupils to succeed.

Pupils benefit from an ambitious and high-quality curriculum.

The school has thought in precise detail about the important information that pupils should learn. Pupils enjoy a broad range of subjects that foster their aspirations. Pupils in key stage 4, including those with SEND, can choose to study the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects.

Pupils achieve exceptionally well.

Staff have a deep knowledge of the subjects that they teach. They deliver subject content with clarity and precision.

Staff are alert to misonceptions that pupils might develop. They routinely identify and address any gaps that pupils may have in their learning. Staff ensure that pupils accurately apply technical vocabulary in their work.

They prepare pupils exceptionally well in how to tackle new learning. Pupils become resilient learners who build their knowledge and skills securely over time.

The school ensures that the additional needs of pupils with SEND are identified swiftly and accurately.

These pupils study the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Pupils with SEND excel. They benefit from full access to the wider opportunities that the school has to offer.

The school provides a comprehensive programme of literacy support for pupils. Staff ascertain pupils' reading needs as soon as they start in Year 7. They expertly address any gaps that pupils may have in their phonics knowledge.

The books that pupils read from are well matched to their reading development. Pupils become confident and fluent readers. This helps them to learn successfully across the curriculum.

Pupils are attentive during lessons and they are highly motivated by their studies. They actively support each other's learning through the conversations that they have about their work. Most pupils attend school regularly.

The school provides effective support for a small number of pupils who need to improve their conduct and attendance.

Pupils encounter an impressive range of experiences that support their personal development. They show respect for the many differences that exist between people.

Pupils know the signs of a healthy relationship. They know how to look after their physical and mental health. The school's well-crafted approach to careers education encourages pupils to be the best that they can be.

They receive the advice and guidance that they need to help them to realise their ambitions for the future.

Staff are proud to work at the school. They value the extensive programme of training that they receive.

Staff carry out their roles with integrity. They welcome the care that the school offers for their well-being. For example, recent changes to assessment strategies have assisted in reducing staff's workload.

Parents and carers value the information that they receive from the school about the achievements of their children. They hold the school in high regard.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.