Hugh Christie School, located in Tonbridge, Kent, underwent an inspection on October 11 and 12, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, while the quality of education, personal development, leadership, and management, as well as sixth-form provision, were rated as good. The school has made significant strides since its previous inspection, which rated it as inadequate.
Most pupils at Hugh Christie School demonstrate good behavior and a strong work ethic, showing ambition for their future education and careers. The school supports these aspirations effectively, particularly for students completing Year 11 and those in the sixth form. Staff maintain high expectations, leading to many pupils achieving well. However, some students struggle to meet these expectations due to inconsistent behavior and frequent absences.
Since the last inspection, the school has prioritized improving safeguarding measures, which has proven successful. Pupils feel safe and enjoy their time at school, with positive relationships established between staff and students. The pastoral support team addresses concerns, including bullying, promptly and effectively. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs and trips, which enhance pupils' experiences and help develop leadership skills among students, particularly in the sixth form.
The curriculum at Hugh Christie School is designed to meet the needs of pupils and is generally ambitious. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge, which aids student achievement, including in the sixth form. The curriculum is organized to build on prior learning effectively, with a focus on equipping pupils with essential subject-specific knowledge and vocabulary. Some pupils receive additional support for reading outside of lessons, and those with special educational needs and disabilities are well-supported through the school's specially resourced provision known as The Lighthouse. The number of pupils studying the full suite of subjects in the English Baccalaureate is increasing, including those with special educational needs and disadvantaged pupils.
Despite these positive aspects, the quality of education still requires improvement. While many pupils with special educational needs and disadvantaged pupils receive necessary support, this is not consistent across the school, leading to varied achievement levels. Teachers' assessments of pupils' learning sometimes identify gaps, but the effectiveness of addressing these gaps is inconsistent, particularly for weaker readers.
Behavior in the school is improving, but there are still instances of low-level disruption in lessons caused by a minority of pupils. This behavior can hinder the learning of both the disruptive pupils and their peers. The school has raised expectations and provided training for staff on effective behavior management, and many pupils engage well in lessons.
Attendance rates at the school are not satisfactory, with too many pupils missing school frequently, particularly those with special educational needs and disadvantaged pupils. The school is actively working to address this issue with robust tracking processes and follow-up actions for absences, but significant improvements have yet to be seen.
The school promotes character development by teaching pupils to be ready, responsible, and respectful. Pupils contribute positively to school life and the community, engaging in fundraising activities. They learn about healthy relationships and receive guidance that helps them pursue their chosen paths after leaving school. Sixth-form students particularly value their personal development passports, which help them track their experiences at school.
The safeguarding arrangements at Hugh Christie School are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. The school is committed to addressing the areas identified for improvement, particularly in behavior management, attendance, and support for disadvantaged pupils, to enhance the overall educational experience for all students.
