Plantsbrook School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders have taken swift and decisive action since the previous inspection to address areas for improvement. Their focus and determination has seen the school move forward.

Leaders have an accurate view of the quality of teaching and learning. They provide good quality professional development and monitor its impact effectively. The quality of teaching is good.

Teachers plan lessons effectively to meet the needs of pupils. They know their pupils extremely well. However, not all teachers consistently challenge pupils or use effective questioning to promote further learning and even stronger progress.

Outcomes at the end of key sta...ge 4 have risen sharply. The overall progress of pupils in 2018 was significantly above national averages. The progress made by disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) has improved markedly.

Safeguarding of pupils is highly effective. There is a strong culture of care and support throughout the school. The personal development and welfare of pupils is outstanding.

Leaders have a comprehensive programme that looks to develop pupils as well-rounded citizens. The behaviour of pupils is good. The school is calm and orderly, and pupils show positive attitudes towards their studies.

Occasional incidents of minor disruption are being tackled well by leaders The sixth form is outstanding. Leaders are exceptionally strong and provide high levels of pastoral support. The progress made by students in A level and applied general qualifications is significantly above national averages.

The curriculum at key stage 3 provides a broad and balanced range of subjects. However, the impact of the decision to shorten key stage 3 to two years has not yet been fully evaluated. Accurate assessment at key stages 4 and 5 provides teachers and leaders with the information they need to ensure that pupils and students make strong progress.

However, at key stage 3, assessment procedures to check pupils' retention of knowledge and understanding are less effective. As a result, the progress made by key stage 3 pupils is not as strong as it could be.

Information about this school

The school is part of the Plantsbrook Learning Trust, which includes Plantsbrook School and a junior school.

The board of trustees oversees the local governing body, which in turn is responsible for monitoring the quality of teaching, learning and progress of pupils and their welfare. Plantsbrook School is much larger than the average-sized secondary school. The percentage of pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan is high because of the school's specialist provision for 16 pupils who are visually impaired.

The current headteacher was in post at the time of the last inspection. The chair of the local governing body was appointed in September 2018. There are no pupils in alternative provision.