The Ashcombe School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. The vast majority of students make good progress and a good proportion make better than expected progress. The attainment of students is consistently good at GCSE and A level.

Results in English and mathematics for a large majority of students compare well with national averages. The school cares extremely well for the students, keeps them safe and supports effectively those who face challenges. Students in the sixth form generally do well and leave school suitably prepared for university life or work.

Some do exceptionally well and go on to study at top universities. The headteacher of the school leads with calm, quiet authority. The go...vernors say that this sets the tone for the school.

Leaders at all levels follow the example set by the headteacher. All leaders contribute to school improvement. The school has developed its own unique system for checking students' progress.

It has been able to apply this system to the new National Curriculum. The curriculum of the school is appropriate for the large majority of its students. A few students study for vocational qualifications at other local colleges.

Mathematics is a strength of the school. Teaching is also consistently good in English. Many teachers possess good subject knowledge and communicate it well.

Students are proud of the school, take pride in their uniform, behave well and treat staff respectfully. Pastoral care is exceptional. Each member of the community is valued and their well-being matters to everyone.

The school makes an impressive contribution to students' personal, spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. It provides many opportunities for students to take part in sporting, musical, artistic, charitable and voluntary activities. The vast majority of parents are fully supportive of the school.

They feel fortunate to have such a school locally. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Not enough teaching is inspirational or challenging, especially for the most-able students in Key Stage 3. Not all teachers routinely give students helpful written feedback on their work or show them how it could be improved.

Information about this school

The Ashcombe School is a larger-than-average secondary school. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is well below average. The proportion of students who are eligible for pupil premium funding (additional funding provided to help meet their needs) is well below average.

The large majority of students are White British. A few students study at Reigate Valley College and a small minority study for a day a week at East Surrey College. The school has 'leadership partner' status.

The headteacher supports a wide range of schools across the country. He specialises in helping others understand information about students' progress. The school meets the current government floor standards.

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