Malbank School and Sixth Form College, located in Nantwich, Cheshire, underwent an inspection on June 14 and 15, 2022, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision were all rated as good.
Pupils and students express happiness in attending the school, feeling safe and supported by staff. They appreciate the calm atmosphere and the high expectations set by teachers regarding behavior and academic achievement. The school has effective measures in place to address any incidents of poor behavior and bullying, fostering a respectful environment among pupils and staff.
The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with leaders striving to increase the number of pupils achieving qualifications in the English Baccalaureate subjects. Additional support has been provided to Year 9 pupils to better prepare them for studying modern foreign languages. The school has improved the quality of education, with teachers demonstrating strong subject knowledge and effectively supporting pupils across most subjects. Regular opportunities for recalling previously learned material are integrated into lessons, and assessment systems are utilized well to identify and address gaps in knowledge.
While the majority of subjects are well-structured, there are a few areas where leaders have not clearly identified the necessary knowledge for pupils to learn. This has resulted in some pupils not progressing as effectively in these subjects. However, leaders are proactive in identifying pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary support to progress alongside their peers.
Reading proficiency is a focus, with leaders identifying pupils who may struggle and providing additional support to enhance their reading skills. The behavior of pupils is commendable, with systems in place to manage behavior effectively, leading to minimal disruption during lessons.
The personal development curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs. It revisits important topics over time, allowing pupils to build their knowledge gradually. Feedback from the school community has led to an increased emphasis on mental health, healthy relationships, and online safety. Pupils receive timely careers advice, enabling them to make informed choices about their future education and employment. The sixth form offers well-planned work experience opportunities, preparing students for life beyond school.
The school has established a popular house system that fosters a sense of community among pupils. Opportunities for leadership development are available, such as becoming reading mentors or participating in environmental initiatives. Governors are actively involved in the school's improvement efforts and prioritize staff well-being, ensuring a supportive work environment.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to identify and respond to potential risks. Pupils are educated on safety, including online safety, and know where to seek help if needed. Overall, while the school has made commendable progress, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring clarity in the curriculum for a small number of subjects. Leaders are encouraged to revisit these subjects to enhance the learning experience for all pupils.
