Thomas Hickman School, located in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The inspection took place on September 11 and 12, 2019. The headteacher is recognized for her inspirational leadership, fostering a strong leadership team that is ambitious for all pupils. The school has made significant improvements in pupil behaviour, creating an environment where students work and play well together, feeling safe and supported by staff. Parents and pupils express high levels of satisfaction, with one parent noting that children come to school with a skip in their step.
The school promotes a culture of respect and inclusion, with initiatives like the No Outsiders statement reflecting its commitment to community engagement. The staff prioritize the well-being of pupils, ensuring that there is always someone available to listen and help. The school’s therapist and her dog are particularly popular among students, contributing to their confidence and learning. The curriculum is well-planned, with a focus on reading, writing, and mathematics, ensuring that pupils learn in a structured manner. The teaching is designed to challenge and engage students, who appreciate the variety of extracurricular clubs available.
Leaders have a clear understanding of how pupils learn at different ages and have made strides in developing the curriculum. The teaching of phonics is systematic, and younger pupils receive ample reading practice. However, there are concerns regarding older pupils not being sufficiently challenged in their reading. The library has been updated to encourage a love of reading, but the selection of books remains limited. The school is committed to helping all pupils, including those with special educational needs and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to catch up academically.
Pupils demonstrate confidence in their mathematical abilities, and teachers actively monitor their understanding during lessons. The early years provision is well-organized, with staff effectively supporting children's learning and encouraging social skills. Lunchtime activities, such as dance sessions, promote physical health and well-being. The school fosters good behaviour and encourages pupils to consider diverse opinions, promoting fairness and respect.
The governing body, led by an experienced chair, is actively involved in the school’s operations, although many governors are new and will benefit from additional training. The school has established a strong safeguarding culture, ensuring that pupils are safe both in and out of school. Staff are well-informed about safeguarding procedures and follow them diligently.
To improve further, the school should focus on enhancing reading development, particularly in key stage two, by providing a wider range of high-quality texts. Additionally, the curriculum for foundation subjects needs to be ambitious and coherent, ensuring that all subjects meet national curriculum aims. Training for new governors is essential to help them effectively support and hold school leaders accountable. Overall, Thomas Hickman School is a supportive and well-managed institution that prioritizes the educational and emotional well-being of its pupils.
