Cawthorne’s Endowed School, located in Abbeystead, Lancaster, has recently undergone an inspection on the 5th and 6th of March 2024, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The school has maintained a positive reputation since its last inspection, which was conducted 12 years ago and rated it as Outstanding. The current inspection reflects the school’s commitment to providing quality education and a supportive environment for its pupils.
Pupils at Cawthorne’s Endowed School express enjoyment in attending, describing the school as a family-like community. The school’s motto, “We teach each other, we learn together, we leave prepared,” resonates with students of all ages, who actively engage in collaborative learning and play. Parents and carers have shown overwhelming support for the school, highlighting its positive impact on their children’s education and well-being.
The school demonstrates ambition for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This inclusive approach fosters confidence and articulation among students, who generally achieve well across the curriculum. Behaviour in the school is commendable, with pupils adhering to high expectations set by staff. The school environment is calm and orderly, with older students serving as positive role models for younger peers. Staff effectively manage conflicts, ensuring that pupils feel supported in resolving issues.
Despite its small size, Cawthorne’s Endowed School offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including cooking, craft, tennis, and hockey. Pupils appreciate the strong connections with the local community and enjoy participating in fundraising efforts. The school also organizes residential trips, which are highly valued by students.
The reading curriculum at the school is well-structured, with staff trained to support early literacy development. Children begin their reading journey in the Nursery Year, engaging with songs, rhymes, and stories. As they progress to Reception, they learn essential phonics skills, which are integrated into their writing. The school ensures that reading materials align with the sounds pupils have learned, providing a coherent learning experience.
Cawthorne’s Endowed School has developed comprehensive subject curriculums that promote a broad education. Lessons are logically sequenced, allowing pupils to build on prior knowledge. Teachers exhibit strong subject knowledge and deliver lessons confidently, checking for understanding throughout. However, there are areas for improvement, as some subjects lack clearly defined key learning objectives, which can hinder pupils’ ability to build on their previous learning effectively.
The school’s early years provision is commendable, with children benefiting from interactions with peers across different year groups. The natural surroundings are utilized to enhance learning experiences, and strong community ties enrich pupils’ understanding of their locality. The school effectively identifies and supports the additional needs of pupils with SEND, ensuring they can access the same curriculum as their peers.
Behaviour expectations are high, and the school has successfully supported pupils who have previously struggled. Most students demonstrate cooperative behaviour and feel safe within the school environment. They appreciate the mechanisms in place for expressing their feelings, such as the worry monster, which fosters trust in the staff.
Pupils exhibit a well-rounded understanding of the wider world, showing respect for diverse backgrounds and beliefs. The school actively promotes awareness of democracy and encourages pupils to take on responsibilities, contributing to the school’s development and engaging in various sporting events with local schools.
Governors are dedicated and knowledgeable about the school, supporting staff effectively and ensuring a positive working environment. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, prioritizing the welfare of all pupils. Overall, Cawthorne’s Endowed School is committed to continuous improvement, with a focus on enhancing the clarity of learning objectives in certain subjects to further enrich the educational experience for all students.
