Oakridge School, located in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on the 2nd and 3rd of March 2022, and the school has shown significant improvement since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were all rated as good, while early years provision received an outstanding rating.
From the moment pupils join Oakridge School, they are immersed in a culture that emphasizes collaboration and success. The school fosters a sense of pride among its students, who enjoy learning and have a particular enthusiasm for reading. Teachers maintain high expectations for all pupils, and parents have expressed their appreciation for the dedication and support provided by the staff. The relationships within the school community are characterized by warmth and care, with a strong emphasis on celebrating diversity and promoting values such as kindness, respect, perseverance, and integrity. Pupils feel safe and happy, with bullying being a rare occurrence, and they know that adults are available to help them with any issues they may face.
Pupils demonstrate focus and good behavior during lessons, and they engage positively with one another during breaks. The classrooms are vibrant learning environments, adorned with high-quality artwork that reflects the pupils' pride in their work. The curriculum is designed to be challenging and relevant, with subject leaders who are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their areas. The school has implemented an 'Oakridge curriculum' in the early years, which provides a strong foundation for children's learning through engaging and well-planned activities.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require further development. Assessment practices in some subjects need to be improved to ensure that teaching is informed by what pupils know and can do. Although reading is a strong focus, the phonics scheme is still in the process of being fully embedded. The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing tailored support to help them succeed.
Pupils at Oakridge School feel that their voices are heard, and they actively participate in initiatives that benefit the school community, such as fundraising for a defibrillator. Enrichment activities and extracurricular clubs are being reintroduced, which pupils value as opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom.
The leadership team is aware of the school's strengths and has a clear plan for ongoing development. Staff have worked hard to improve the school, although some have expressed concerns about workload and well-being during this process. Governance is a strength, with governors collaborating closely with leaders to ensure continued improvement despite challenges posed by the pandemic.
Safeguarding arrangements at Oakridge School are effective, with staff trained to identify and respond to potential risks. The school teaches pupils about health and safety, ensuring they are well-informed about how to keep themselves safe.
In summary, Oakridge School has made commendable progress since its last inspection, demonstrating a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all pupils. While there are areas for improvement, the school's leadership and staff are dedicated to enhancing the educational experience for their students.
