The Downs School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Standards and ambitions in this school are exceptionally high.

Pupils rise consistently to meet these. Professional relationships between pupils and staff are warm and positive. Expert support ensures that pupils' individual needs are known and staff address any barriers to learning rapidly.

A strong sense of community permeates the school. Lessons are studious and industrious. Pupils enjoy learning and the school celebrates success regularly.

This enables all pupils to flourish, particularly disadvantaged pupils.

The school provides countless opportunities for all pupils to engage in activities that build character. Many pupils relish the high-quali...ty opportunities to contribute to the school community.

For example, as peer mentors, prefects, house councillors and ambassadors. The house system builds a sense of belonging. Older students listen to younger pupils read, including in local primary schools.

Pupils make excellent use of a broad range of extra-curricular activities. For example, the school's eco club, a fantasy role-playing game club, a multitude of sporting activities and many more. Responsible pupils in Year 10 and Year 11 lead some activities with support from staff, such as the recent production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.

This helps them learn and practise vital leadership skills. A wide range of trips and visits supplement the curriculum.

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

The curriculum enables pupils to learn exceptionally well.

The school has designed a curriculum that incorporates detailed knowledge of the primary curriculum, with aspirational end points in mind. Staff consistently check what pupils know and understand. They skilfully use this information to adapt and refine activities to address any misconceptions or gaps in pupils' learning.

Staff give expert help to disadvantaged pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Informative support and challenge documents provide crucial information to staff that enables them to adapt and refine learning appropriately. Dedicated staff champion pupils who find learning challenging.

As a result, all pupils can achieve exceptional outcomes. At key stage 4, a large proportion of pupils gain qualifications in the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects. Consequently, they are extremely well-prepared for the next stages of their education.

The growing sixth form is highly successful. Students' outcomes in A level and applied vocational qualifications are exceptional.

Passionate teachers are experts in their subjects.

They present information clearly and precisely. Lessons inspire pupils to make 'every moment of learning count'. Teachers strive to improve their own subject knowledge continually.

Carefully designed whole-school strategies promote effective learning. As a result, pupils build their independence and resilience. For example, in English, carefully designed activities entice pupils to write confidently in their own personal style.

In mathematics, pupils use their broad understanding of complex concepts to deepen each other's knowledge and skills.Reading is a particularly strong focus. The well-resourced library is at the heart of the school and provides rich texts for pupils to engage with, as well as one of many collaborative spaces for sixth-form students to study in.

The 'super-curriculum' inspires pupils to engage in research, read specialist books and articles and to prepare themselves for future learning. This encourages everyone to take valuable ownership of their own learning, particularly students in the sixth form.

Pupils' behaviour is impeccable.

Staff reinforce routines regularly. This helps everyone move around the school sensibly, purposefully and safely. Pupils arrive at lessons on time and ready to learn.

Attendance is strong and the school is quick to address any barriers that may mean pupils miss out on vital learning.

The way the school develops pupils' personal and social understanding makes a significant impact to pupils' behaviour and attitudes. Deliberately chosen activities promote pupils' understanding of the world around them.

Enrichment activities, educational trips, assemblies and the carefully crafted tutor programme help to deepen pupils' knowledge of what it means to grow up in modern Britain. Pupils' understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion is praiseworthy.

Throughout the school, everyone receives detailed careers information, education, advice and guidance.

Tailored support is prioritised for those who need it. Regular engagement with employers and training providers, and opportunities to visit universities raise aspirations. Sixth-form students receive excellent support when deciding their next steps.

Many aspects of the school's work are exceptional. Knowledgeable governors have a very secure oversight of the quality of education that the school provides. Their systematic analysis and review of the curriculum provides valuable support to the school.

However, the monitoring and evaluation of policies and precise practice need sharpening. Staff are incredibly positive about the school. They value the significant investment in their professional development.

Staff benefit from the thoughtful well-being initiatives the school has put in place. They know that the school is considerate of staff workload and ensures that priorities and developments are thought through carefully.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• The school has not ensured that staff apply some of their own policies and practices securely and consistently. As a result, leaders, including governors, are not always clear on the effectiveness of some aspects of the school's work. The school must ensure that staff use the agreed policies and check this practice robustly.