The Winston Churchill School, a Specialist Sports College located in Woking, Surrey, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on November 14 and 15, 2023. The school is noted for its inclusive environment and high expectations for student behavior and academic achievement. Pupils are encouraged to excel not only in their studies but also in developing essential life skills that prepare them for future contributions to society. The school offers additional lessons known as Winston extra, which help students reflect on their strengths and areas for development within a framework of competencies and skills.
Behavior among students is generally calm and respectful, with most pupils meeting the school's conduct expectations. While a small number of students occasionally challenge these standards, the school addresses such issues promptly. Support is provided to students and their families to identify barriers to good behavior, and for some, an adapted curriculum is in place to facilitate their success.
The school has ambitious goals for all students, particularly those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and disabilities. It has developed a well-structured curriculum that builds knowledge progressively across subjects, preparing students for future challenges. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and employ a variety of effective learning activities. While many lessons include careful checks on student understanding, this practice is not yet consistent throughout the school.
Students are confident in discussing their learning and can connect new knowledge to prior lessons, resulting in good performance in public examinations. However, the school acknowledges that disadvantaged students do not always achieve to their full potential. To address this, the school is implementing improved strategies to ensure that all staff are aware of and utilize specific support measures for these students, which is already showing positive results.
Classrooms are conducive to purposeful learning, with most students arriving on time and attending regularly. For those with attendance challenges, the school employs various initiatives to identify and address the underlying issues. However, there is a need for more consistent evaluation of these methods to ensure their effectiveness.
The school places a strong emphasis on the holistic development of all students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Opportunities for musical education and access to a newly developed performing arts space and a planetarium enhance the learning experience. Leadership roles are available for students, fostering a sense of responsibility and community involvement.
Leaders at the school are dedicated to ensuring that all students succeed and create a supportive environment for staff to innovate in their teaching approaches. While most parents feel well-informed about school activities, some express a desire for greater engagement, which the school recognizes and is working to improve. New initiatives are introduced thoughtfully, ensuring they are embedded effectively.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all students. However, the school must enhance its evaluation processes regarding attendance initiatives to better understand their impact. Additionally, the school is focused on continuing to refine its support systems for disadvantaged pupils to help close the achievement gap. Overall, the Winston Churchill School demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive community for all its students.
