South Charnwood High School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders promote a positive culture of ambition for pupils and staff.

They are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for pupils, both academically and in their personal development. Senior leaders and governors have worked together effectively to oversee the school's successful growth. In 2018, pupils of all abilities made outstanding progress, including in English and mathematics.

Pupils' progress in science and humanities was well above the national average. In all year groups, current pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, continue to achieve at a high level in most subjects. Pupils with special educational needs and/or dis...abilities (SEND) make strong progress.

They are extremely well supported. The school's curriculum is designed well to meet the needs of pupils. Leaders prioritise reducing staff workload and promoting staff well-being.

Leaders do not evaluate the impact of their actions closely enough to inform priorities, including when reviewing their use of additional government funding. A small minority of pupils engage in low-level disruption that is detrimental to their learning. The quality of teaching and learning is consistently strong, based on teachers' expert subject knowledge.

However, small pockets of inconsistency exist where teachers' poor planning and low expectations hinder pupils' learning. Pupils are confident, resilient and committed learners who keep trying until they understand. Pupils know how to keep themselves safe and reduce the risks they may face.

The vast majority of pupils are very well behaved and have positive attitudes to learning. Pupils are well prepared for their next steps. Most secure sustained education, employment or training when they leave Year 11.

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development is very well promoted and supported by a well-thought-out curriculum. While exclusions are low, a disproportionate number of pupils with SEND continue to be excluded. Pupils' attendance is above the national average.

However, too many disadvantaged pupils are regularly absent from school. Safeguarding records, including concerns about pupils and staff training records, are not as detailed or thorough as they should be.

Information about this school

South Charnwood High School is slightly smaller than the average-sized secondary school.

The school became an academy in April 2013. In September 2014, the school accepted Year 10 pupils for the first time, while it no longer admitted Year 6 pupils. Due to the growing number of pupils on the school's roll, a new position was created for an assistant headteacher in August 2015.

A new deputy headteacher joined the school in September 2017. The school had its first set of GCSE examination results for Year 11 pupils in August 2016. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is well below the national average.

The proportion of pupils with SEND, including those with an education, health and care plan, is well below average. The majority of pupils are of White British heritage. The school uses the following alternative providers for a small number of pupils: Si-Sports; Leicester Academy of Music, Technology and Arts; and Enstruct Ltd.