The Wensleydale School and Sixth Form, located in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, was inspected on 25 and 26 May 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management also receiving good ratings. However, the sixth-form provision was noted to require improvement. The school has maintained a good rating since its previous inspection in February 2017.
Leaders at the school have established strong ambitions for their pupils, fostering high expectations for behaviour and conduct. Staff members share this vision, ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to thrive. Pupils express pride in the inclusive nature of the school, describing it as a tight-knit community. Respectful relationships between adults and pupils contribute to a caring culture that permeates all aspects of school life, leading to a sense of safety and support among students. Instances of poor behaviour and bullying have decreased, and pupils demonstrate kindness and support for one another.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including a Combined Cadet Force, walking club, and Japanese puzzle club, which pupils appreciate. Many parents who responded to the Ofsted inspection questionnaire expressed their willingness to recommend the school, highlighting the positive pastoral care provided.
Leaders promote a strong sense of community responsibility among pupils, encouraging them to engage in charitable activities and voluntary work. The curriculum extends beyond academics, aiming to develop pupils into responsible and well-rounded individuals. The curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced, with teachers effectively questioning pupils to enhance their understanding. However, some staff do not deliver the curriculum in a way that ensures comprehensive understanding, leading to occasional misconceptions.
Assessment practices vary across subjects, with some areas demonstrating effective use of assessment while others lack clarity regarding pupils' knowledge and skills. The curriculum for most pupils is ambitious, but the sixth form's limited offerings do not provide a broad range of subjects. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities have access to the same ambitious curriculum as their peers, and those in the hub are supported in accessing the wider curriculum.
The school identifies pupils needing additional reading support and utilizes older students as reading buddies. Leaders monitor the progress of this initiative closely. While the school has a high proportion of pupils with special educational needs, some staff require further training to adapt their teaching effectively. Pupils engage enthusiastically in discussions, although motivation can vary across lessons, leading to occasional low-level disruption.
Attendance rates are stable, with leaders targeting persistent absentees to improve their attendance. The school day is structured to include dedicated time for personal development, with enrichment activities available to all year groups. Leaders are committed to the school and community, receiving praise from parents for their support during the pandemic. However, consistency across the curriculum, particularly in assessment, needs to be addressed.
New governors have been appointed and are working to understand the school's strengths and areas for development. Some require additional training to effectively support and challenge school leaders. The governing body actively seeks new members with the necessary skills to drive improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders maintaining strong relationships with external agencies to support vulnerable pupils. Staff are well-informed about safeguarding practices, prioritizing pupils' welfare. However, leaders must improve their evaluation of the impact of their work on pupils' learning, particularly in assessment and support for pupils with special educational needs. The sixth form's curriculum needs expansion to meet the needs of current and prospective students.
