The Astley Cooper School, located in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on November 17 and 18, 2021. The school provides a positive environment where most pupils enjoy their time and maintain good relationships with peers and staff. The atmosphere is calm and orderly, contributing to a conducive learning environment. While some pupils occasionally exhibit behavior that does not meet the school's high standards, they receive support to improve. The school emphasizes the importance of safety, with pupils feeling secure and aware of the procedures to follow if they encounter bullying or other concerns.
The school has made significant strides in raising aspirations for its pupils, particularly in English and mathematics. Teachers are knowledgeable and foster good working relationships with students. The curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils acquire essential knowledge, with a focus on subject-specific vocabulary. There is an increasing trend of pupils opting to study subjects like history and geography in Years 10 and 11, and efforts are underway to boost the number of pupils taking GCSE languages. The sixth form provision is also expanding, offering a broader range of courses.
Despite the overall effectiveness of the curriculum, some areas, particularly in science, require further development to ensure that the content is taught in a logical sequence and revisited regularly. Most staff effectively check pupils' understanding and address any misconceptions, which helps reinforce learning. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support to access the curriculum and achieve well. The school has implemented measures to assist pupils in developing their reading skills, promoting a love for reading through an updated library and engaging initiatives.
The school maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, with most students demonstrating politeness and respect. However, inconsistencies in the application of the behavior policy have been noted, leading to confusion among some pupils. The leadership team is actively working on improving this aspect through training and policy reviews. While some pupils report instances of bullying, they trust the staff to address these issues effectively, and the school prioritizes easy access to safeguarding support.
Personal development opportunities are abundant, with a well-planned personal, social, and health education curriculum. The school emphasizes mental health and well-being, celebrating individual differences and promoting equality and diversity through various initiatives. The leadership team has garnered support from staff as they work to enhance the quality of education. Teachers generally feel that their workload is considered in ongoing improvement plans, and governors play an active role in holding leaders accountable for the school's performance.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with vigilant staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. The school closely monitors attendance and behavior, ensuring that any concerns are addressed promptly. Overall, while the school has many strengths, it recognizes the need for continued development in certain areas, particularly in curriculum implementation and behavior management, to ensure that all pupils can thrive in their educational journey.
