Roundwood Park School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Roundwood Park School is 'a place to flourish'.

Pupils, including students in the sixth form, experience a high quality of education. Pupils meet leaders' exceptionally high expectations for their work, personal development and behaviour. Pupils are happy and say that they feel safe as part of this community.

The broad and ambitious curriculum engages all pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school supports pupils to believe in themselves through the highly effective 'ASPIRE' programme. This results in pupils becoming resourceful, reflective, responsible and resilient individuals.

Pupils' experiences at this ...school are exceptional. They take part in an extraordinary choice of clubs, trips and opportunities, as well as giving to the wider community. These activities broaden pupils' interests, experiences and understanding of the world.

They range from sports, chess, music and debating to trips, such as the Year 7 residential trip to Norfolk and a World Challenge trip to Africa. A 'sleep out' overnight helps pupils understand what it is like to be homeless.

Pupils say that this is a school where everyone's differences are accepted and everyone is equal.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. They clearly understand the expectations and conduct themselves responsibly. They treat each other and staff with respect.

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

A highly ambitious curriculum is in place for all pupils. A broad and rich curriculum prepares pupils exceptionally well for the next steps in their education, employment or training. As a result, they achieve the very highest outcomes throughout the school.

Subject leaders have outlined precisely what pupils must know and understand. Expert teachers deliver knowledge in small steps, which helps pupils to remember what they have learned. Teachers regularly check what pupils know.

Pupils act on teachers' feedback and this helps them to improve. The 'super curriculum' inspires pupils to complete extra learning outside school. They become 'scholars' and wear their scholars' badges with pride.

There is a strong culture of reading in the school. Pupils read a wide variety of texts. Those pupils who struggle to read fluently when they join the school receive the right support to help them build their confidence.

This includes help from sixth-form students, who volunteer time to support lessons. Those who struggle to read catch up quickly.

Staff induct pupils expertly into the school and clearly outline the behaviours expected in this community.

As a result, excellent behaviour is the norm at the school. For the small number of pupils who struggle with their behaviour, there is strong pastoral support, which helps them to make changes for the better. Low-level disruption is very rare.

Pupils display a strong commitment to their learning. Diversity is important in the school and celebrated by all. Pupils say that 'there is something for everyone here'.

The school provides an impressive range of opportunities, including an extensive leadership programme for pupils. The school has carefully planned for pupils' wider experiences so that they develop the talents and interests of all pupils. The house system is a strength of the school.

Students in the sixth form plan and run house activities. They lead on initiatives to improve aspects of the school, such as how to make their community more sustainable. They also deliver the school's tutoring programme for pupils in Years 10 and 11.

Sixth-form students are excellent role models for others. Sixth-form students are supported by former students, who provide help for academic subjects and mentoring.

The school provides remarkable support for pupils' personal development.

Pupils develop self-confidence and a secure understanding of the world around them. They choose, and raise money for, local, national and global charities. They support a local foodbank and raise money for homeless young people in Hertfordshire.

Pupils learn how to look after their physical and mental health.

High-quality careers advice and guidance run through the school's work. Pupils make well-informed decisions about their curriculum, activities and next steps.

Students in the sixth form move on to a range of appropriate destinations, including universities, workplaces and apprenticeships.

Staff, including early career teachers, say that they are very well supported. Staff feel valued.

They have high praise for how leaders look after staff's well-being and their workload.

Leaders are single-minded in their determination for all pupils to succeed academically and to develop their interests and character. Governors are knowledgeable about key aspects of the school, such as safeguarding.

They hold leaders strictly to account for the quality of the school's provision and are highly effective. Leaders have systematically put in place a school of exceptional quality.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.