Prendergast Vale School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Governance is a strength of the school. Governors are clear about their strategic role. They are highly ambitious for pupils and very active in driving improvements in standards.

The experienced executive headteacher and the governors provide effective support and challenge to school leaders. Leaders have successfully introduced new systems that are having a rapid, positive impact in many areas. For example, pupils' behaviour is improving rapidly in key stages 3 and 4.

In the secondary phase, some systems are not yet fully embedded. For example, new reading strategies have not yet engaged older pupils. Middle leadership is not yet fully c...onsistent.

Leaders are not consistent in checking some administrative tasks. In the primary phase, systems are well established. Pupils' outcomes in key stages 1 and 2 are exceptional because of this.

Pupils' outcomes in key stages 3 and 4 are good and improving. Leaders have a strong vision for the curriculum. It prepares pupils well for life-long learning.

The curriculum is broad and balanced. It enables all pupils, especially those with low starting points, to make strong progress. Across all key stages, teachers use their strong subject knowledge to develop pupils' learning.

As yet, however, in the secondary phase, there is some inconsistency in teachers' use of assessment information to plan lessons effectively to meet the needs of particular groups of pupils. Leaders and teachers have worked effectively to support pupils in developing good habits for learning. Most pupils' behaviour across the school, in lessons and at social times, is good and improving.

A small minority of pupils still present challenging behaviour. Pupils say they are safe and well looked after at the school. Teachers in the early years expect all children to attain very high levels of development, regardless of their starting points.

Teachers track children's progress and personal development rigorously with support from parents and carers. This culture ensures that all children are now making very strong progress.

Information about this school

Since the previous inspection, reviews of governance and pupil premium funding have taken place.

The school uses three alternative providers. They are Lewisham Young Women's Hub, New Woodlands, and Abbey Manor College. Prendergast Vale School is part of the Leathersellers' Federation of Schools.

There is one governing body for the schools in the federation. The school is a partner in the Lewisham Secondary Challenge Project. The school meets the current government floor standards.

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