Waddesdon Church of England School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Waddesdon Church of England School changes pupils' lives for the better. Leaders, governors and staff share a united vision to provide academic success coupled with exceptional personal development.

Naturally, pupils and sixth formers love coming here and are inspired to achieve. Parents enthuse about the school. As one described, 'The school is a very special community.'



The curriculum meets pupils' needs very well. The wide range of subjects on offer gives everyone a chance to shine. Leaders ensure that the promotion of pupils' mental health and well-being is at the heart of school life.

Excellent classroom learning is extended through a wide ran...ge of stimulating clubs, trips and visits. Pupils, staff and parents are rightly proud of their school. Grateful for all that the school has offered them, sixth formers genuinely want to give something back and make a difference to the school community, and they do.

Pupils are thoughtful and polite, and behaviour is first-class. There are warm relationships between staff and pupils and a range of support services. Older pupils support younger ones here.

Any form of bullying or unkindness is not tolerated. Waddesdon is a very supportive and safe place to learn.

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

The headteacher, governing body and senior leadership team are inspirational.

Together they ensure that the school's ethos of 'dignity and respect for all' underpins daily life and the outstanding provision here. It would be hard not to be inspired by the exceptional whole-school assemblies, which promote ambition, aspiration and celebrate success particularly well. Staff share the senior leaders' vision and passion to enable each pupil to flourish academically and socially during their time at school and beyond.

Every pupil at Waddesdon is valued as an individual. Leaders continually refine systems and improve the curriculum provision to meet pupils' needs.

Leaders have crafted a very broad, rich and relevant curriculum that stimulates and challenges pupils and sixth formers particularly well.

They are implementing plans to encourage more pupils to study modern foreign languages and so boost the numbers achieving the suite of qualifications known as the English Baccalaureate still further. Across all subjects, teachers have access to high-quality research-led training and resources. In addition, staff network well with other schools and subject networks, to develop their subject expertise.

Working together, subject leaders and teachers apply this expert subject knowledge to carefully sequence the order in which pupils learn new things and to bring their subjects to life. Teachers know what pupils should learn and the goals they are working towards.

Staff have high expectations and pupils rise to meet them.

Pupils take pride in their work and engage enthusiastically in lessons. Teachers know their pupils well and target their use of questioning very effectively to inspire, motivate and challenge them. Pupils value revisiting their prior learning to refine and improve their knowledge.

Pupils and sixth formers are supported to become independent learners who achieve well across their chosen subjects. Any who fall behind, or need further help, are provided with tailored support to address concerns and build resilience.

Highly effective leadership of the provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils ensures that they flourish.

Teachers and teaching assistants are highly skilled at adapting the curriculum to meet pupils' needs. Leaders, teachers and support staff also work together to meet these pupils' pastoral needs very well.

Reading is promoted well across the school.

Pupils in younger years have regular opportunities to develop their reading skills. Older pupils are challenged to read a range of texts in and out of lessons. Pupils who are at the earlier stages of reading receive bespoke support from staff.

Some sixth formers act as reading mentors, helping to provide additional support to younger pupils who are less confident readers.

The provision for pupils' personal development is first class. High-quality personal, social and health education builds pupils' self-esteem and confidence.

Over time pupils are supported to become caring, respectful and responsible citizens. Pupils speak with conviction about the importance of mental health, respect and equality. They show respect to each other, adults and visitors.

Leaders ensure that learning extends well beyond the classroom. Pupils and sixth formers benefit from exciting opportunities, including visiting speakers, residential trips and access to the many performing arts, sporting and activities-based clubs on offer. Pupils are encouraged to develop leadership skills, proudly taking up opportunities to support others.

A structured programme of careers education ensures that all are very well-prepared for their next steps beyond school or sixth form.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Waddesdon offers an exceptionally caring community where pupils' safety, welfare and well-being are given top priority.

Pupils feel safe and happy here and parents confirm this. Leaders ensure regular staff training on safeguarding. Very well-managed systems help staff to record and share any concern they may have about pupils.

Leaders' records demonstrate how swiftly and effectively the school supports vulnerable pupils. Diligent safeguarding leaders proactively seek and secure support from external agencies, when necessary, to ensure that pupils get the help they need. Recognising the impact of the pandemic on pupils and their families, senior leaders are wisely expanding the safeguarding team due to an increased workload.

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