The Topsham School, located in Exeter, Devon, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 9 and 10, 2022. The school fosters a positive learning environment where pupils express a genuine love for learning. School leaders have made significant efforts to enhance the curriculum, demonstrating high aspirations for all students. Pupils are motivated by learning behaviors that contribute to their success, and they appreciate the rewards system, such as house tokens, which reinforces these behaviors.
Students report feeling happy and safe at school, with a strong belief that adults are available to support them with any concerns. The majority of pupils feel that bullying is not an issue, and they enjoy positive relationships with their peers, both during lessons and at break times. The school has established a culture of trust, where pupils are confident that staff will address any conflicts promptly.
The school offers a variety of extra-curricular activities, including sports and creative clubs, which enrich the educational experience. Recent trips, such as a visit to Kents Cavern, have allowed pupils to connect their learning in history with real-world experiences. The leadership team, including governors, actively monitors the quality of education and is committed to improving the school while considering staff workload and well-being.
The curriculum is broad and balanced, with a focus on ambitious vocabulary across all subjects. Staff pre-teach vocabulary to support pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, enabling them to engage meaningfully with their learning. However, there are areas where key knowledge is not consistently identified or taught effectively, and leaders are aware of this and have plans to address it.
In the early years, children are provided with a strong foundation for learning. They engage in activities that develop their knowledge and vocabulary, and they begin learning to read through a well-structured phonics program. Staff regularly assess reading progress, ensuring that pupils receive timely support to become confident readers. While the reading curriculum is effective in teaching phonics, there is a need for further development in supporting pupils' reading skills beyond this foundational stage.
The school is attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, fostering strong relationships between these pupils and the staff who support them. Most pupils with SEND are able to access the curriculum successfully, although there are instances where the support provided could be more effective for a small number of pupils.
Pupils demonstrate kindness and consideration towards one another, adhering to school rules and expectations. They are well-prepared for life in modern Britain, embodying the school's values and understanding the importance of respect for diverse beliefs and cultures. The personal, social, and health education curriculum is robust, and pupils learn about physical and mental health, as well as the significance of community engagement.
The safeguarding arrangements at The Topsham School are effective, with a dedicated team ensuring that safeguarding is a shared responsibility among all staff. Regular training equips staff to recognize and report concerns, and leaders collaborate with families and external agencies to provide necessary support for pupils.
To improve further, the school needs to strengthen the curriculum in certain subjects, including reading, ensuring that expectations for learning are clearly defined and consistently taught. Additionally, while the needs of pupils with SEND are identified well, the precision of support and targets should be enhanced to ensure all pupils can successfully follow the curriculum. Overall, The Topsham School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.