Ranelagh School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Staff are ambitious for all pupils and have created a culture of excellence. Pupils take pride in attending this school and rise to staff expectations. They are highly motivated and committed to their learning.

Pupils achieve exceptionally well, including in national assessments.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. Through the 'Ranelagh Student Learner Profile,' staff support pupils to develop character traits, such as creativity, independence and resilience.

This helps to prepare pupils for success in their learning and life beyond school.

The school cares for pupils and keeps them safe. Pupils have access to various levels of support if they have any c...oncerns.

These include pastoral staff, counsellors and use of 'The Space' if pupils need some time out or to talk through their worries.

Pupils benefit from the extensive offer of extra-curricular clubs, educational trips and activities. Staff tailor this offer to pupils' needs and interests.

For example, pupils can take part in sports teams which play in less competitive fixtures and join one of the three choirs. Pupils have opportunities to develop skills, such as leadership, initiative and teamwork. For instance, house captains organise various competitions across the school and many pupils take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

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

The school provides a well-rounded and excellent education for all pupils. Its vision, 'though we are many, we are one body', underpins the school's inclusive ethos. Pupils and staff typically spoke of a 'community feel' to the school, where pupils from different backgrounds and abilities are made to feel welcome here.

The school offers a rich and ambitious curriculum to all pupils. In Years 7 to 9, pupils study a wide range of subjects. In Years 10 and 11, a high proportion of pupils choose to study a curriculum based on the English Baccalaureate.

The school reviews the curriculum regularly to ensure it meets pupils' needs. In the sixth form, the school now offers more vocational courses than previously, alongside a range of A-level subjects. Pupils achieve excellent outcomes at the end of Years 11 and 13.

Staff are well trained and experts in their subjects. They skilfully present and explain new learning and important concepts. The focus on vocabulary across the school supports pupils to use and understand subject-specific terminology.

For example, pupils in English show in-depth knowledge of linguistic features when analysing and comparing different texts. Across subjects, the school ensures that lessons build on what has been taught before. In art, for example, pupils in Year 8 use the portrait skills they learn in Year 7 to support them with their drawings of African animals.

Staff identify and address mistakes and misconceptions through careful checks on pupils' understanding. Staff well-being and workload are high on the agenda for the trust and school leaders. Staff are very positive about the support they receive.

The school promotes a love of reading. For example, pupils in Years 7 to 9 have fortnightly library lessons and the 'Ranelagh Readers' scheme encourages them to read recommended books selected by other pupils. The school has a carefully considered reading programme to support weaker readers.

Staff identify gaps in pupils' reading knowledge and give these pupils specific support, such as in phonics or comprehension skills.

School leaders, trustees and governors make decisions that are in the best interests of pupils. This is exemplified in the work done to secure personalised provision to meet individual needs, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils.

Staff identify pupils' needs accurately and use appropriate strategies to help pupils with SEND achieve highly. Trustees and governors share the pride of staff and leaders in the school. They fulfil their statutory duties well and have effective systems to oversee the school's work.

Pupils are keen learners. In lessons, they listen attentively and show high levels of concentration. Classrooms are calm with warm relationships between staff and pupils.

Attendance rates are high. Staff know pupils and their families well and develop bespoke responses where individual pupils have barriers to attending school regularly.

The school's curriculum to develop pupils' character is exemplary.

It supports pupils to become responsible and active citizens. For example, sixth-form students help younger pupils with reading, organise a 'Freshers' Fair' and deliver Christmas appeal parcels to local food banks. The promotion of fundamental British values is threaded through the curriculum.

In history, for example, staff reinforce aspects such as tolerance and equality. The comprehensive careers programme gives pupils ready access to independent careers guidance, help with work experience and an abundance of career-focused visits and speakers.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.