Tomlinscote School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils flourish at this exceptional school.

They are highly ambitious for themselves and each other. The school provides support, care and guidance to ensure that success is possible for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). All pupils are expected to achieve highly, and they do.

Alongside their academic success, pupils develop a rich understanding of the world and their place in it. The school's core values of excellence, perseverance, character, community and progression are lived out every day. Pupils are confident that they are listened to.

They learn that they can affect positive change, which prepares the...m well to be active, engaged citizens.

The school is an inclusive community in which difference is valued and discrimination is not tolerated. Staff and pupils have warm relationships founded on respect and a love of learning.

Pupils eagerly explain how the school's extensive and well-considered curriculum helps them pursue their dreams as an engineer, doctor, athlete, artist, or something else. The abundance of wider opportunities enables pupils to discover new interests, such as the use of green power through the 'Race Team' club or knowledge of different cultures through roles as international ambassadors.

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

The school's curriculum is aspirational for all pupils.

The moral drive to ensure all pupils succeed is evident throughout the school. The curriculum is ambitious, challenging and engaging. Disadvantaged pupils, including those with SEND, are known well and supported sensitively.

They are keenly encouraged by their teachers, who offer reassurance and targeted help. Learning is enriched through debates, competitions and trips that help deepen pupils' understanding further. These opportunities also serve to develop pupils' understanding of current affairs, diversity and equality.

The curriculum builds carefully on pupils' primary school education and ensures that they truly master the intended learning. Mastery of knowledge is the thread through all experiences here. Pupils know that staff are experts in their subjects and, rightly, trust that they are taught very well.

Staff are passionate about education and they benefit from highly effective training opportunities. They have a deep understanding of subjects and of how pupils learn best. Classrooms are industrious spaces where pupils demonstrate an exceptionally positive work ethic and achieve highly.

Pupils consistently demonstrate exemplary behaviour. They hold themselves and each other to high standards, both academically and in their conduct. Pupils know it is safe to ask questions and make a mistake because this is part of the process of learning.

Pupils have a remarkable understanding of how they learn and are full participants in every stage of their learning journey.

Personal development experiences are carefully planned and woven into the curriculum. Pupils learn how to be safe and keep safe, including online.

Health, welfare and well-being are systematically supported through assemblies, tutor times and school events. Pupils know that they can talk with a member of staff if they have any concerns. Staff who are experts in pupils' well-being make sure that any pupil who needs help is provided with rapid support.

Pupils benefit from a wealth of wider experiences and develop strong characters through the many leadership roles. For example, 'digital leaders' help others in the school use their tablets most effectively. These leaders also work in the community, teaching primary school pupils to use electronic devices responsibly.

Pupils have a sense of duty to support others. Staff teach pupils about cultures, faiths and ethical dilemmas in a way that builds their curiosity, openness and confidence. Pupils are encouraged to consider their futures carefully and to be aspirational through the excellent careers education.

Those responsible for governance know the school extremely well. They provide robust challenge to leaders. Staff describe the inclusive and purposeful culture that is now embedded in the school.

Leaders consider staff's workload when they make strategic plans. Everyone in the school is restless to continue to build on the successes already achieved here.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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