Rossmore School, located in Little Sutton, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 18 and 19 October 2022. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils enjoy attending and feel welcomed by the staff, who greet them each morning with warmth and even bagels. The variety of clubs and activities, including residential visits, is highly valued by the students, who take pride in their roles as e-cadets and members of the school parliament. The school promotes a strong understanding of equality and diversity among its pupils.
The leadership and staff maintain high expectations for both academic performance and behavior. Pupils express confidence and enthusiasm about their learning experiences, showcasing their work with pride. Parents and carers appreciate the community atmosphere of the school, highlighting the caring nature of the staff and the positive relationships that are cultivated. During the inspection, pupils reported feeling safe and well cared for, noting that behavior is generally good and that any incidents of bullying are addressed effectively by the leadership.
Pupils particularly enjoy their teachers, friendships, and the diverse range of subjects offered. They demonstrate politeness and respect towards one another, contributing to a calm and conducive learning environment. The school has developed an ambitious curriculum that clearly outlines the essential knowledge and vocabulary that pupils are expected to learn. This curriculum is designed to build on prior knowledge, allowing pupils to progress through their education in a structured manner. The early years curriculum lays a solid foundation for future learning, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve well.
Phonics instruction begins in the early years, with a systematic approach that helps children learn effectively. Those who require additional support are quickly identified and assisted, leading to most pupils being able to read confidently by the end of Key Stage 1. The reading curriculum in Key Stage 2 further develops pupils' comprehension skills and their ability to engage with a variety of texts. Teachers are knowledgeable about the curriculum, enabling them to deliver lessons effectively and assess pupils' understanding accurately.
While the school excels in many areas, there are a few subjects where opportunities for deepening knowledge and retention could be improved. Some pupils do not achieve their full potential in these subjects, indicating a need for teachers to focus on building upon previous learning to enhance long-term retention of knowledge. The school is proactive in identifying pupils who may have special educational needs, involving parents in progress reviews and collaborating with external agencies to provide necessary support.
Pupils across the school exhibit good behavior, listening attentively in class and demonstrating a commitment to their learning. They benefit from a wide range of extracurricular activities that promote their overall development, including physical fitness and an understanding of fairness and equality. The governing body is engaged and knowledgeable about the school, holding leaders accountable for the curriculum's effectiveness in enhancing pupils' knowledge retention.
Staff express satisfaction with the supportive relationships within the school and appreciate that their workload and well-being are considered by leadership. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks to pupils. Overall, Rossmore School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment, with a commitment to continuous improvement in teaching and learning practices.
