Sir John Hunt Community Sports College in Plymouth has undergone a recent inspection, which took place on September 21 and 22, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, reflecting significant improvements since the previous inspection, which had rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision have all been rated as good.
The school is characterized by high expectations set by its leaders, who are ambitious for the learning and conduct of pupils. This is evident in the emphasis on politeness and courtesy, which pupils have embraced positively. The school environment is calm and safe, allowing for effective learning without disruption. While pupils generally express satisfaction with their learning experiences, there are instances where teaching does not fully encourage discussion of subject content, which could enhance understanding.
A strong focus on character development is evident, with staff rewarding pupils who exemplify the school’s values of ambition, endeavor, and respect. Relationships between staff and pupils are respectful, and older students take on leadership roles, setting positive examples for younger pupils. The school effectively addresses instances of bullying, ensuring that issues are resolved promptly.
Leaders are committed to providing a broad curriculum, with the English Baccalaureate at the core of their educational vision for key stage four pupils. Changes have been made to the curriculum design to support this goal, resulting in an increase in the number of pupils studying EBacc subjects. In the sixth form, ambitious study programs are in place to prepare students for future success.
The curriculum is structured to ensure that pupils learn knowledge in a clear sequence, with a focus on the most important information that needs to be retained. There is a consistent approach to teaching across subjects, informed by educational research. Teachers present information clearly and check for understanding, adapting their plans based on assessment outcomes. However, there are occasions when teaching does not facilitate adequate discussion of subject knowledge, which can hinder the depth of understanding.
The school has identified pupils with special educational needs and disabilities and provides useful guidance to teachers on how to support these students. While this information is effective in many cases, there are instances where it is not utilized to its full potential. A new reading program has been introduced for pupils with weaker reading skills, but it is still in its early stages and has not yet achieved the desired impact, affecting some pupils' fluency and accuracy.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum is coherent, covering important topics such as respect for diverse backgrounds. However, the PSHE program in the sixth form does not build as effectively on the lower school curriculum as it could. Pupils receive effective careers advice and guidance, helping them prepare for their future education and career paths.
Governors have a clear vision for the school and support leaders in implementing strategies to enhance educational quality. While most parents and carers are supportive, a small minority have expressed concerns about the school's day-to-day operations. Leaders are actively seeking to engage with these parents to address their concerns.
Staff report high levels of support from leaders, contributing to a positive working environment. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, with staff trained to identify and respond to concerns. Leaders stay informed about local and national safeguarding issues, ensuring that pupils are aware of how to stay safe.
In summary, Sir John Hunt Community Sports College has made commendable progress in various areas, demonstrating a commitment to high standards of education and pupil well-being. However, there are still areas for improvement, particularly in promoting discussion in teaching and enhancing the early reading curriculum.
