London Nautical School, located in Waterloo, London, underwent an inspection on June 22 and 23, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with similar ratings for the quality of education, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. However, the school received a good rating for behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development. The school has a rich maritime tradition, and students express pride in this heritage, participating in activities such as weekly parades.
Pupils generally enjoy attending the school and feel safe, supported by staff who are readily available to address their concerns. The school promotes a respectful and polite environment, with effective behavior management that allows for a calm learning atmosphere. Bullying is not tolerated, and incidents are dealt with promptly. Students have access to a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, boxing, filmmaking, and choir, which help them develop their interests and talents.
Despite the positive aspects, the curriculum does not fully meet the high expectations set by school leaders. Some subjects lack the necessary structure to ensure consistent knowledge development, leading to underachievement among pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have recognized the need for improvement and have begun implementing changes to enhance the curriculum from Year 7 to Year 13. While some progress has been made, the delivery of the curriculum still requires further development to ensure that teaching aligns with the school’s ambitions.
Teachers receive training to support curriculum delivery, and while they possess secure subject knowledge, there are instances where understanding is not effectively checked. This oversight can result in misconceptions and gaps in knowledge that hinder student progression. The school has established a system for identifying the needs of pupils with special educational needs, but the implementation of adaptations in teaching does not always align with the intended curriculum goals.
Reading has been prioritized, with initiatives introduced to raise its profile within the school. However, the support for pupils struggling with reading lacks coherence and systematic planning, which affects their progress. Leaders are aware of the need for further work in this area to enhance reading confidence and fluency among students.
Leaders have also focused on improving behavior during transitions within the school, resulting in a more orderly environment. While most pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning, a small number do not, and this is not always addressed promptly by staff. Opportunities for trips and visits enrich the educational experience, and pupils are encouraged to develop leadership skills through various roles.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum effectively covers essential topics, including healthy relationships and mental health. Careers education is also a strength, providing students with insights into various career paths. Staff express pride in their work and feel supported by school leaders regarding their workload and well-being.
Governors are actively engaged in understanding the school’s improvement priorities and are challenging leaders to ensure effective implementation. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to identify and report concerns about pupil welfare. Overall, while London Nautical School has several strengths, particularly in behavior and personal development, significant work is needed to enhance the quality of education and curriculum delivery to ensure all pupils achieve their potential.
