Warblington School, located in Havant, Hampshire, underwent an inspection on July 3 and 4, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The school has a history of being rated Good in previous inspections, but recent evaluations indicate a decline in certain areas. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, and leadership and management were all rated as requiring improvement, while personal development was rated as good.
Most pupils express a positive sentiment towards attending Warblington School, appreciating the kind and caring environment. Regular attendance is noted among many students, although a concerning number of disadvantaged pupils are persistently absent. Strong friendships among peers are fostered, and while bullying incidents are generally managed well by staff, some pupils feel differently about the effectiveness of these interventions. Staff members are dedicated to understanding and supporting pupils, aiming to unlock their potential through a well-structured approach to personal development.
Despite the positive aspects, there are significant challenges in the educational experience. Pupils report varying quality in their learning across different subjects, with some experiencing better instruction than others. Although clear rules and routines are established, low-level disruptions in classrooms are not consistently managed, leading to mixed experiences for students. The expectations set by some staff regarding pupil behavior and learning are not sufficiently high, resulting in underachievement for certain students.
Leaders at the school have ambitious goals for providing high-quality education but have not yet realized these ambitions. They have made efforts to define the curriculum and ensure it is logically sequenced, particularly for pupils with special educational needs. However, the delivery of this curriculum is inconsistent, leading to gaps in knowledge and understanding among pupils. In subjects where teaching is stronger, pupils benefit from regular revision and effective questioning, which enhances their understanding and achievement. Conversely, in other subjects, teachers struggle to clarify tasks and address misconceptions, leaving pupils uncertain about their learning.
Reading is prioritized within the school, with initiatives encouraging pupils to read for pleasure. However, some students do not engage with texts that are appropriate for their reading levels. While staff monitor reading progress and provide support for struggling readers, there are gaps in addressing errors made by pupils, which hinders improvement.
The personal development of pupils is well-structured, with a comprehensive program that prepares them for adulthood. Pupils learn about diversity, equalities, and receive valuable career education, including work experience opportunities. Various extracurricular activities further support their development.
Leaders and governors are committed to improving the school and are aware of the areas needing attention. However, there is a lack of consistent monitoring of the effectiveness of improvement strategies, which has resulted in slow progress, particularly regarding pupil achievement and attendance among disadvantaged students. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, with strong relationships built between staff, pupils, and families, ensuring a safe environment for all.
To improve, the school must focus on delivering a consistent curriculum and teaching approach across all subjects, ensuring that all staff uphold high expectations for pupil behavior and learning. Additionally, leaders need to rigorously monitor the impact of their improvement strategies to maximize their effectiveness and address the needs of all pupils.
