Shape International School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. This is a school of high quality.

Pupils have a strong start to their education. They achieve highly in their academic and personal skills. Under the outstanding leadership of the headteacher, high standards have been maintained and improved since the last inspection.

The headteacher and deputy headteacher are a very successful team. They are very effectively supported by all the staff. There is a strong drive to make the school even better.

Despite this, some improvements could be secured even more quickly than planned, if the school's cycle of review was shortened. A very careful check is made on how well pupils are do...ing. If any pupil starts to fall behind they quickly get the support they need to get back on track.

High-quality teaching across the school and the exemplary attitudes of pupils are key to the school's success. Almost all pupils make good or excellent progress regardless of when they join the school. Pupils' behaviour is excellent especially when the school is altogether, for example in assembly.

Relationships in classrooms are markedly respectful and this establishes a strong learning culture. High expectations prevail throughout the school. Pupils' social skills are excellent.

Pupils enjoy the very broad curriculum which ensures that they do well in their academic skills in English, mathematics and science. It also includes a wide range of creative, cultural and physical activities. The School Governance Committee makes a strong contribution to the school by keeping a very close eye on its performance.

Members of the committee provide a good balance of support and challenge to the headteacher.

Information about this school

The British Section of SHAPE International School primarily serves families of British military and civil service personnel at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE). The school admits pupils from other nationalities whose parents are serving at SHAPE.

Ten different nationalities are represented. About one third of pupils speaks English as an additional language and about a fifth has special educational needs or disabilities. The school meets the government's targets for pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics.

The campus and facilities are shared by other nations at SHAPE. Most pupils stay for about two years. In the last academic year 62 pupils joined the school and 52 pupils left as a consequence of the 'trickle posting' of personnel to SHAPE.