Longcroft School and Sixth Form College, located in Beverley, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The school has made significant strides in improving the quality of education since its last inspection, with leaders demonstrating high aspirations for all pupils. The curriculum is now broad and well-structured, effectively building on the knowledge pupils acquire from key stage two, leading to increasingly strong outcomes.
Pupils at Longcroft are reported to be happy and feel safe, enjoying a purposeful and calm learning environment. Behaviour is generally good, with incidents of bullying being rare and effectively managed by staff when they do occur. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and board games, which contribute to a well-rounded educational experience. The school also fosters a sense of pride in pupils by sharing their successes with the local community.
The sixth form provision is also rated as good, with an increasing number of students choosing to attend. Students appreciate the positive relationships they have with teachers and engage in leadership roles by supporting younger pupils. The curriculum in the sixth form is well-designed to meet students' needs, and they receive personalized support to help them succeed.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas identified for improvement. The curriculum is ambitious and meets the national standards, with a growing number of pupils entering for the English Baccalaureate. However, some teachers occasionally miss opportunities to assess pupils' understanding during lessons, which can lead to pupils progressing before they are fully ready. Leaders are aware of this and are working to ensure that assessment opportunities are integrated into lessons.
Developing a love of reading is a priority for the school, and various strategies have been introduced to support this goal. However, there is still work to be done to enhance the quality of reading interventions for pupils who need additional support. Furthermore, while the school has high expectations for behaviour, low-level disruptions can occur, although they are managed effectively by teachers.
Pupils receive age-appropriate relationship education, but there are gaps in their understanding of protected characteristics and fundamental British values, which may leave some pupils unprepared for life in modern Britain. Leaders are taking steps to address this by introducing debates during tutor time to enhance pupils' understanding of these important concepts.
Careers advice and guidance are provided, but the delivery lacks a logical order based on pupils' age and experience, which can hinder informed decision-making about their futures. Leaders have recognized this and are working to improve the personal development and careers guidance offered to pupils.
Overall, Longcroft School and Sixth Form College is on a positive trajectory, with effective leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement. The school has made significant progress since its last inspection, and with ongoing efforts to address the identified areas for development, it is well-positioned to enhance the educational experience for all its pupils. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring that pupils are safe and well-supported in their learning environment.
