Haverstock School, located in Camden, London, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness as a good educational institution. The inspection conducted in July 2019 highlighted the decisive actions taken by the leadership team to enhance various aspects of the school. The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment is deemed good, with teachers benefiting from quality training and being held accountable for student progress. Assessment information is utilized effectively to tailor activities to meet the diverse needs of pupils, resulting in strong progress across key stages and subjects, including for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The school has made significant strides in improving pupil behavior, fostering positive attitudes towards learning. Pupils exhibit calm and sensible behavior throughout the school day. While attendance rates have improved, they still remain below the national average, indicating an area for further development. The school prioritizes pupil safety, educating them about risks and how to avoid dangerous situations. The curriculum meets national standards, offering a broad range of academic and vocational options at the GCSE level, contributing positively to personal development.
Governance at Haverstock School is strong, with governors providing a balanced mix of support and challenge. They actively monitor the school's performance and play a crucial role in ensuring sustained improvement. Leadership in the sixth form is also on an upward trajectory, with curriculum changes aimed at better meeting student needs. While attainment and progress in vocational courses are good, academic subject progress remains below average, indicating a need for continued focus.
The school has identified areas for further improvement, including reducing absence rates to align more closely with national averages and enhancing teaching quality to ensure substantial progress across all subjects. The sixth form requires particular attention, with plans to ensure that all students have access to work experience opportunities and to broaden personal and social development activities.
The leadership team has established rigorous systems for identifying areas needing improvement and has implemented effective strategies to address these weaknesses. Staff morale is reported to be good, and the school has successfully tackled previously poor behavior that disrupted learning. The curriculum is regularly reviewed to ensure it remains challenging and relevant, with a focus on developing pupils' knowledge retention and vocabulary.
Pupils' personal development and welfare are prioritized, with support systems in place for those facing challenges. The school provides access to professional mental health services and promotes healthy lifestyles. The behavior of pupils is commendable, with a significant reduction in incidents of poor behavior and exclusions. Pupils demonstrate a strong sense of pride in their school and engage positively in lessons and social interactions.
Overall, Haverstock School is on a positive trajectory, with effective leadership, good teaching practices, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address the areas identified for further development, ensuring that all pupils receive a high-quality education that prepares them for their future endeavors.
