Wheatley Park School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. The school has made good improvements to the quality of education since the previous inspection. There is a clear trend in improvement.

As a result, most students make good progress and achieve well, particularly in English, mathematics and science. GCSE results in most subjects have improved since the previous inspection. The quality of teaching has improved since the previous inspection.

Teaching is good overall and, in some lessons, is outstanding. The best teaching makes good links with real-life situations to make the lessons more interesting for students. The sixth form is good and the focus on standards is having a positive impact... on students' results.

Students and staff share an increasingly strong sense of community. Students say they feel safe and value the range of additional activities which are available. The headteacher sets high standards for the school.

She is well supported by the senior team and other members of staff. Fixed-term exclusions and absence have reduced significantly since the last inspection. The school has effective procedures to maintain punctuality and good attendance.

Governors know the school very well. They have provided outstanding challenge and support and have a clear view about what the school needs to do to improve further. It is not yet an outstanding school because : In a small proportion of lessons teachers do not always plan activities which meet the needs of different students.

Some work lacks challenge and in some lessons teachers talk for too long and do not take enough account of students' ideas. A minority of the students who are supported by additional funding are not making as rapid progress as they should.

Information about this school

Wheatley Park School is slightly smaller than the average secondary school.

Most students are of White British heritage. The proportion of students who are from minority ethnic backgrounds and the proportion who speak English as an additional language are both below average. The proportion of students eligible for the pupil premium is below the national average.

This is additional funding to support students known to be eligible for free school meals, those in local authority care and students with a parent in the armed forces. The proportion of students with a statement of special educational needs is slightly above average and those with special educational needs supported at school action is average. The proportion of disabled students is below average.

A very small number of students attend alternative provision on vehicle maintenance and construction courses. Approximately one in ten students is eligible for the Year 7 catch-up programme. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum level expected for pupils' attainment and progress.