King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

A desire to learn pervades daily life for pupils at Camp Hill Boys.

Pupils and staff contribute to a culture of the highest expectations; everyone wants to be the best they can be.

Pupils make the most of their learning, in and beyond lessons. They are highly engaged, asking questions to deepen their own understanding.

Their motivation extends to the way they study independently, often exploring personal areas of academic interest through the 'super-curricular' offer. Many pupils thrive in this culture of scholarship. This is why they make such excellent progress.

The school's ethos is inclusive and respectful. Pupils know they are valued for who the...y are and who they want to become. They manage themselves impressively well; social times are lively and pleasant, because pupils get on well and choose to contribute to the positive culture.

Pupils value the many enrichment opportunities on offer, and lead some of them themselves. In addition to the extensive sports offer, many pupils partake of the many musical options available. They enjoy contributing to the school's assembly programme.

Year 7 pupils appreciate the summer school that helps them to settle in quickly when they start. Sixth form students are keen to support younger pupils as subject mentors.

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

The school has a broad and academic curriculum.

Pupils are able to choose from a wide range of academic subjects, although many choose mathematics and the sciences as they move through the different phases of their education. Pupils achieve exceptional standards, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils. Many pupils go on to gain places at highly regarded universities.

The curriculum in each subject area is designed in a way that enables teachers to share their passion for their subject. Although there are differences in the way lessons are delivered, this does not equate to a variation in the quality of learning that takes place. From the impressive range of texts studied in English, to the cross-curricular links made in art, pupils are challenged to develop a deep cultural understanding through their learning.

Lessons are characterised by a highly academic ethos that sets pupils up well for the next stage in their education. Pupils have a thirst for learning and appreciate the subject expertise of teachers. They are keen to ask their own questions to deepen their knowledge.

The level of dialogue in sixth form lessons often reflects that of university-level learning.

A number of disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND attend the school. The school is relentless in ensuring they are enabled to fulfil their academic and social potential.

Pupils with SEND have their needs promptly identified and staff use this information, shared via the thorough 'pupil passports', to make any adaptations that are needed. These pupils achieve very high outcomes.

There is a high value placed on reading, both academic and for pleasure.

Pupils learn research skills and engage with increasingly complex academic texts. The school's vibrant library ensures all pupils can access a range of books that represent the diversity of modern society. There is a popular book club and many pupils talk with excitement about the visits they have enjoyed from top authors.

The culture of individual and mutual responsibility is reflected in both behaviour and attendance. The very few pupils who make the wrong choice with their behaviour get it right next time. Attendance is high as pupils and parents know the importance of being in school; pupils do not want to miss their learning.

The school is not complacent about this and works hard to maintain these expectations.

The school's work on pupils' character development is exceptional. The school wants everyone to become a well-rounded, successful individual.

Parents value this wider development as well as the academic learning provided by the school. There is a skilfully mapped personal, social, health and economic education programme that supports age-appropriate learning from Years 7 to 13. Pupils talk and debate important issues with a deep respect for each other's differences.

The support for pupils' next steps, in particular the work to help them obtain places on the most competitive courses at university, is exemplary. Year 11 pupils enjoy learning alongside sixth formers in the Wednesday 'games afternoons'. Many sixth formers act as volunteers in the local community.

Trustees and local governors work well together to ensure that the school meets its responsibilities, including staff workload. The trust provides support and challenge to leaders in their shared commitment to providing the best quality education to the pupils and community they serve.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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