Ashburnham Community School, located in London, has undergone a significant transformation since its previous inspection in March 2015, where it was rated as requiring improvement. The latest inspection has resulted in an outstanding rating across all key areas, including leadership and management, behavior and safety of pupils, quality of teaching, and achievement of pupils. The early years provision has been rated as good, indicating a solid foundation for young learners.
The executive headteacher and the associate headteacher have played pivotal roles in driving improvements within the school. Their leadership has fostered a culture of high expectations and aspirations for both pupils and staff. The governing body has also evolved into a highly effective group, actively supporting and challenging the school’s initiatives. This collaborative effort has led to a rich curriculum that not only covers a wide range of subjects but also includes additional activities that enhance pupils' understanding of the world.
Pupils at Ashburnham Community School demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for learning. They engage eagerly in various activities and exhibit excellent behavior at all times. The school promotes spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development effectively, fostering an environment of respect and harmony among pupils from diverse backgrounds. The sense of safety within the school is palpable, with pupils expressing confidence in the support they receive from staff.
The academic achievements of pupils have seen remarkable improvement. Standards have risen significantly, particularly in Key Stages 1 and 2, where pupils are making outstanding progress. The early years classes are well-structured, allowing children to settle quickly and prepare effectively for Year 1. The school has successfully utilized additional funding to support disadvantaged pupils, ensuring they achieve at least as well as their peers, if not better.
Teaching quality is outstanding, characterized by rigorous checks and ongoing professional development for staff. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and utilize this to create engaging and challenging lessons tailored to the needs of their pupils. The relationships between staff and pupils are excellent, fostering an atmosphere conducive to learning. High expectations are set for all, encouraging pupils to strive for their best.
The inspection process involved comprehensive observations across various subjects, discussions with pupils, and scrutiny of their work. Inspectors also engaged with parents and staff to gather insights into the school’s performance. The feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting their confidence in the school’s ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children.
The school’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident in its strategic planning and evaluation processes. Leaders at all levels are actively involved in monitoring teaching effectiveness and pupil progress, ensuring that any areas for development are promptly addressed. Middle leaders contribute significantly to this process, particularly in subjects like reading, writing, and mathematics.
Ashburnham Community School is dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all pupils, regardless of their backgrounds. The school’s initiatives, such as aspirations week, expose pupils to various career paths and inspire them to aim high. The emphasis on British values, including respect and tolerance, is woven into the school’s ethos, preparing pupils for life in modern Britain.
In summary, Ashburnham Community School has made significant strides in enhancing its educational offerings and overall effectiveness. The outstanding leadership, exceptional teaching quality, and strong pupil achievements reflect a school that is committed to excellence. The positive environment and robust support systems in place ensure that all pupils are well-equipped for their future educational journeys. The school is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of success, with a clear focus on maintaining high standards and fostering a love of learning among its pupils.
