The Westgate School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. From below-average starting points, students in Key Stages 3 and 4 make outstanding progress so that they achieve above-average results at GCSE.

Students do exceptionally well in English and are now also making very rapid progress in mathematics. Teachers are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their subjects. They have high expectations of students and develop excellent working relationships in the classroom.

The headteacher and other leaders have a determined focus on continuing to improve the quality of teaching. Teachers are committed to working together and sharing ideas so that they provide the best possible education for ...their students. Students are very proud of their school.

They have very positive attitudes towards their learning. They enjoy school and are determined to do well. Students behave very well in lessons and around the school and show high levels of respect and courtesy to each other and to adults.

They feel very safe in school. The outstanding curriculum is supported by a wide range of exciting and varied additional activities which promote the excellent social, moral, spiritual and cultural development of the students. The highly effective partnerships with a wide range of businesses and other organisations provide exceptional opportunities for students to gain experience of work beyond school.

The sixth form is good and improving. Students make good progress. They receive excellent advice and guidance so that they are very well prepared for the next stage in their education or for employment or training.

The skilled and experienced governing body provides strong strategic leadership and very effective support and challenge to ensure the school continues to improve.

Information about this school

This is an average-sized secondary school. The school converted to academy status in April 2012.

It is part of the Cippenham Schools' Trust with Cippenham Primary and Infant schools. When its predecessor school, also The Westgate School, was last inspected by Ofsted, it was judged to be outstanding. The proportion of students eligible for the pupil premium, additional funding for those known to be eligible for free school meals, children looked after by the local authority and those with parents in the armed services, is slightly above average.

Close to 35 Year 7 students are eligible for catch-up funding, which is for students who did not attain Level 4 in English or mathematics at the end of primary school. A high proportion of students come from minority ethnic groups. The largest groups of students are White British, Pakistani and Indian.

More students than usual speak English as an additional language. Only a small number are in the early stages of learning English. The proportion of students who join the school part way through their education is lower than average.

The proportion of disabled students and those with special educational needs supported through school action is well above average. The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is above average. The school has a specially resourced provision, known as the resource base, for students with physical disabilities.

There are currently 15 students on roll. A small number of Years 10 and 11 students attend construction courses at Haybrook College for part of the week. The school meets the government's current floor targets, which set the minimum expectations for students' progress and attainment.