Ryedale School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are very proud to attend Ryedale School.

Pupils behave in an exemplary manner in lessons and at social times. The school's sharp focus on ensuring that pupils develop a strong understanding of other cultures, faiths and religions is fulfilled. This ensures an inclusive environment in school and very positive attitudes to anyone who is under-represented in society.

The school has extremely high expectations of pupils. Pupils strive to meet these expectations. All staff have a shared vision that pupils will achieve well.

This includes academic achievement and achievement beyond the taught curriculum. Pupils are rightfully proud to represent the school in... sports, music and drama activities. The opportunity to participate in these events is met with great enthusiasm!

Pupils can enjoy an exceptional number of extra-curricular activities.

These include debate club, environmental club and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. These are very well attended. Staff have visited overseas destinations to ensure that venues are wheelchair friendly.

This ensures that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are fully supported to participate in trips and visits. Year 11 pupils act as buddies to Year 7 pupils. Buddying helps to create a welcoming, friendly and supportive atmosphere throughout the school.

There are strong, purposeful relationships between staff and pupils.

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

The curriculum is ambitious. Many pupils study the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects.

In most subjects, the curriculum offer goes beyond the national curriculum. For example, in English, pupils study a greater number of Shakespeare plays than the national curriculum requires. Pupils show a clear understanding that their curriculum has been sequenced to build important knowledge.

Year 11 pupils explain how work done in key stage 3 helps them to understand complex and challenging work completed in key stage 4.

Teachers rigorously check what pupils know. Pupils' learning is regularly assessed in lessons.

Teachers adapt their teaching skilfully when necessary. For pupils with SEND, this is particularly helpful. Staff precisely identify what additional support is needed for pupils with SEND and use additional strategies in lessons to ensure that they keep up.

The extremely positive behaviour and attitudes of pupils ensure their full engagement in lessons. There is no lost learning time. All pupils are keen to know and remember more.

They strive to make exceptional progress.

The school has ensured that reading is a high priority. Pupils in all year groups are regularly assessed to check their comprehension and fluency.

Appropriate interventions are put in place speedily for pupils who need additional support. Curriculum leaders ensure that pupils read challenging texts which expose them to a very wide range of issues and perspectives. A culture of reading permeates every area of school life.

The personal development provision for pupils is exceptional. Pupils have precise knowledge of what they have been taught. They have very positive attitudes towards all others.

Sensitive issues, such as healthy relationships and consent, are well taught and equally well understood. Pupils who qualify for additional pupil premium funding are supported to access 'The Brilliant Club' which supports disadvantaged pupils to access higher education. This ensures that the most disadvantaged pupils go onto highly appropriate and ambitious destinations.

The school provides many leadership opportunities for pupils, including as prefects, councillors and ambassadors. Pupils who take on these roles shape the life of the school. For example, prefects lead by example and model positive behaviours and attitudes at all times.

Other pupils in leadership roles take part in presentation evenings to parents and carers. The vast majority of pupils aspire to hold leadership roles in school. Pupils carry out the roles with pride and tenacity.

The culture of positivity and contributions to the school family are celebrated at Ryedale School.

Careers education prepares pupils very well for life beyond school. Pupils get impartial advice about the post-16 options available to them.

Staff provide high-quality support to ensure that all pupils attend appropriate post-16 destinations.

Trustees and members of the Ryedale School Committee, who act as governors, have great confidence in the school's staff. Their confidence is warranted.

Trustees and committee members regularly visit the school to ensure that they know what is happening. Many have educational expertise. This expertise enables them to accurately assess and evaluate what leaders tell them.

The vast majority of staff feel well supported. The school considers their well-being at all times.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.