Midhurst Rother College

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

This school provides pupils with an exceptional education. It strives for 'the best in everyone' and has high academic ambitions for all pupils.

This is reflected in everything that the school does. As a result, pupils achieve impressive academic success, reflected in their examination results.

Pupils conduct themselves in an exemplary manner.

The school sets high expectations for pupils' behaviour alongside offering high-quality pastoral support. Dedicated staff work tirelessly to create an environment where mutual respect and strong relationships are the norm. On rare occasions that conduct falls below expectations, adults deal with it swiftly.

The... school does not tolerate any form of bullying. Consequently, learning is rarely interrupted, and pupils feel safe in school.

The school's personal development programme is highly effective.

The extended school day includes an enrichment programme that allows pupils to choose from a huge range of opportunities to develop their talents and interests or learn new skills. This includes lessons in Latin and Welsh, astronomy, cheerleading, chess, to name but a few. Pupils benefit from many opportunities to participate in the performing arts, sporting activities and other cultural experiences, including overseas.

The school supports high numbers of pupils to engage with these opportunities.

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

The school has created a rigorous, broad, and highly effective curriculum. Learning has been carefully planned and sequenced in each subject so that knowledge and skills build logically from Year 7 to Year 13.

The above-average proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported to access the same broad offer as their peers. They achieve very well in a wide range of subjects and, as a result, are fully prepared for the next stage of their education, employment, or training.

Teachers provide a highly structured learning environment that ensures pupils are focused on their studies.

Teachers carefully check pupils' understanding of what has been taught, picking up on and addressing misconceptions. Pupils frequently revisit prior learning at the start of lessons, which helps them remember important knowledge. They are highly proficient in recalling what they have previously learned.

Consistently high-quality teaching from staff who are experts in their subjects means pupils develop a deep understanding of the ambitious subject content.

The school has established a very positive reading culture. Pupils speak confidently and knowledgeably about various texts, poetry, and genres.

Some pupils require additional help to improve their reading. These pupils receive timely and valuable additional support and catch up quickly with their reading.

Sixth-form students are very well prepared for adulthood.

Along with following a broad academic curriculum, they learn how to study independently. Students contribute to the school and grow their confidence when they take on leadership roles supporting younger pupils. The school has a comprehensive careers programme and engages with local employers to provide all year groups with meaningful experiences of the world of work.

As a result, sixth-form students are remarkably well supported in considering their future options.

The personal, social, health education (PSHE) curriculum is exceptionally well-planned to help pupils navigate the world around them. They learn how to look after their mental and physical health, about potential dangers such as county lines, and the importance of their digital footprint.

They know how to seek help if needed, and they are confident that adults will support them effectively.

Pupils' behaviour is impeccable. There are clear, well-understood expectations.

As a result, there is a calm learning environment. When pupils struggle, the school takes considered steps to support them. For some pupils, this includes carefully planned adaptations to their timetable, such as attending an alternative provision.

Leaders use these approaches thoughtfully to support pupils in overcoming barriers to successful learning.

The school is relentless in its support for pupils to achieve regular attendance. It has a deep understanding of the factors that prevent some pupils from attending as often as they could.

Investment and support from the trust is supporting leaders in tackling these issues, so that all pupils can benefit fully from the high-quality curriculum on offer. This work is leading to improvement, with persistent absence declining over time. Nevertheless, the school remains determined to achieve further and rapid improvement in this area, keeping the effectiveness of its work under constant review.

Leaders at all levels are relentless in their work to continue improving pupils' achievements and experiences. Those with responsibility for governance support and challenge the school well, ensuring that the school maintains its high standards. The school gives staff exceptionally high-quality training and supports their well-being and workload.

They feel valued and are all empowered to contribute to the highly effective culture that prevails across the school. As a result, staff are justifiably proud to work at this school and to serve the community.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.