The Westminster School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

The Westminster School is a calm, friendly and happy school. Everyone is welcome.

The school's 'SHALT' approach of 'safe, happy and learning together' shines through. Pupils overwhelmingly say that they like being at school.The personal development programme is exemplary.

This helps pupils learn valuable skills for life. Pupils learn how to keep themselves safe and how to form lasting relationships. They learn how to cook and manage money.

Visits in the local community help pupils to understand their role in society.The school pays careful attention to helping older students get ready for their next steps at college or in work. Students enjoy a wide range of ...work experience opportunities.

Through these, they can discover their talents and interests. As a result, students know what they want to do when they leave school. They leave school having successfully gained the qualifications they need to move on to the right destination for them.

The behaviour of pupils is exemplary. This is because everyone in this school treats each other with kindness. Pupils know the school rules and always try to follow them.

Staff help those pupils who need extra support to get better at coping when things go wrong.

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

The school has developed an ambitious curriculum which is interesting and engaging. Pupils, including those in the sixth form, like to be in lessons learning new things.

The curriculum is organised so that pupils build important knowledge over time. Practical experiences are woven into everyday learning. This helps pupils to practise applying the knowledge they have learned.

The school prioritises the well-being of its pupils by providing a team of experts who can support their mental health. This ensures that pupils receive the necessary emotional support when they need it and that any concerns they have are effectively managed. The school ensures that pupils receive helpful support and information as they move through different phases of education.

Parents value this very much. Staff quickly gain the confidence of pupils and parents. This positive approach continues through school into the sixth form.

One parent reflected the voice of many by saying that the school was 'like family to them'.Reading is important at The Westminster School. Pupils read every day.

Staff receive training so they can teach pupils to read effectively. As a result, pupils at the earliest stage of reading get the help they need to quickly learn to read.In most subjects, teachers present the information that pupils need to know effectively.

Pupils value the knowledge organisers that help them to identify what they need to know and remember. In these subjects, pupils build on their prior knowledge well. However, in some foundation subjects, teachers do not make sure that pupils learn this important knowledge.

As a result, in these subjects, pupils do not make the progress that leaders intend.The school has an exceptional personal development programme. All pupils enjoy a wealth of high-quality opportunities to build their character.

Pupils learn how to keep themselves safe and become prepared for life in modern-day Britain. They enjoy residential experiences and visits to local places of interest. Older students get to work in a shop on the local high street leased by the school.

Through this, they learn valuable life skills such as how to greet customers and complete stock takes. One pupil summed up the opinion of many when he said, 'We have fun, learn a lot and do amazing things.' High-quality careers advice ensures that pupils know about different jobs and colleges.

The school has built effective relationships with local businesses. Sixth-form students are confident in undertaking meaningful work placements. Through these, they build valuable evidence towards qualifications that are valued by local colleges or employers.

Governors have a detailed knowledge of the school's work. The headteacher provides dedicated and compassionate leadership. Together they recognise and value the important role played by every member of staff.

The staff team has an unwavering commitment to the school. Everyone wants to provide the best education they can for the pupils.

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 made sure that the curriculum is implemented consistently well enough. This means that in some foundation subjects, pupils do not achieve as well as they could. The school should make sure that teachers have the knowledge and expertise to implement the curriculum well in all subjects.