The West Bridgford School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils receive a highly ambitious education at this school. Pupils and parents/carers appreciate the school's high expectations and exacting standards. They know that these keep pupils safe and support pupils to achieve across the curriculum to the very best of their abilities.

As a result, the outcomes for pupils, including students in the sixth form, are some of the highest in the country. Disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) also achieve exceptionally well.

Everybody understands the importance of excellent behaviour throughout the school.

Pupils show good conduct, both inside and outside of lessons. The ...vast majority of pupils understand and follow the school routines well. They know there is an adult they can talk to if needed.

Pupils can take on an extensive range of responsibilities and opportunities to develop their leadership skills, including in the sixth form. Students take great pride in supporting their younger peers and organising the popular annual 'Bridgstock' music festival.

Parents appreciate the high aspirations that the school has for all pupils.

A comment, typical of many, was: 'The school has a caring ethos and sets high standards for the children, which it supports them to achieve.'

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

The school has designed and implemented a broad and ambitious curriculum that has the English Baccalaureate at its heart. Teachers present key concepts very effectively.

They systematically revisit content taught previously. This ensures that pupils can confidently remember what they have learned. The work given allows pupils, over time and across the school, to achieve the aims of the curriculum consistently.

This successful strategy is underpinned by a strong professional development offer for staff that focuses on using research-based approaches to teaching and learning.

Support for pupils with SEND is very strong. These pupils successfully access the same curriculum as their peers.

The needs of pupils with SEND are identified precisely and shared effectively with staff. The school uses appropriate external services and expert staff in school to ensure that disadvantaged pupils are well cared for and excel.

Teaching in the sixth form is exceptional.

Students develop high-quality skills and in-depth knowledge. They encounter work that is appropriately challenging and produce outcomes of a consistently high standard. Students show a determined commitment to their studies.

Pupils are usually fluent readers on arrival. Nevertheless, literacy, oracy and reading are prioritised. Where additional support is needed to develop literacy, well-trained staff provide effective interventions.

Enrichment activities, such as debating club, develop pupils' confidence in expressing their knowledge and views. As a result, pupils become highly articulate and eloquent.

Pupils are keen to succeed, and they behave well.

Expectations of pupils' behaviour are consistently high. There are some rare instances when a few pupils struggle to meet these expectations. The school is working hard to ensure that every avenue of support is available for these pupils.

For example, the school has invested in employing and training counsellors. Incidents of bullying happen rarely, and the school acts swiftly to resolve these effectively. The school's use of alternative provision is having a significant and positive impact for pupils who attend these settings.

Overall rates of attendance are high. This enables pupils to take full advantage of the high quality of education and wider rich experiences provided by the school.

The wider personal development of pupils is a strength of the school.

The school provides an extremely rich range of opportunities to nurture pupils' talents and interests, and pupils make the most of these. The school places a high importance on pupils developing their leadership skills. Sixth-form students, for example, have many opportunities to take on leadership roles, including being well trained to mentor younger pupils.

There is a strong focus on promoting equality and diversity. This gives pupils an informed appreciation of, and respect for, difference. These extensive opportunities ensure that pupils understand the positive impact they can have in school and beyond.

Pupils benefit from comprehensive careers information, education, advice and guidance. Those attending alternative provisions are particularly well supported in planning their next steps. Students in the sixth form receive expert guidance from highly committed staff when they apply for university places or higher apprenticeships.

The trust plays a key role in helping the school achieve its ambition for pupils. Governors and trustees have a thorough understanding of the school. They work exceptionally well together to provide direction, challenge and support.

There is a shared commitment and an unswerving determination to make continuous improvement to the school. Staff are rightly proud and happy to work at this school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.