Jarrow School, located in Jarrow, Tyne and Wear, was inspected on 14 and 15 June 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with consistent ratings of good across various aspects including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The school has maintained its previous inspection grade of good since the last evaluation in March 2017.
The school prioritizes the personal development of its pupils, fostering high-quality relationships between staff and students. Staff are attentive to the individual needs of pupils and maintain high expectations for behaviour and conduct. Pupils demonstrate politeness, respect, and a welcoming attitude towards visitors. The school provides ample opportunities for pupils to explore future career paths, particularly in performing arts, where connections with local theatre professionals enhance learning experiences. Additionally, free music tuition is available to all students.
Pupils are encouraged to engage with the school community through various roles, such as student council members and reading buddies for younger students. These roles help cultivate a sense of pride and belonging within the school. The inclusive environment supports all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they are integrated into all aspects of school life. Inspectors noted a strong sense of social justice among pupils, who feel accepted regardless of their differences.
While the curriculum is well-planned in many subjects, there are areas that require improvement. Leaders have thoughtfully considered the knowledge and skills pupils need to acquire, particularly in subjects like English, mathematics, and design and technology. However, in subjects such as history, the curriculum lacks careful planning, leading to gaps in pupils' understanding of key topics. Staff are effective in identifying what pupils do not understand during lessons, but the consistency of formal assessments varies across subjects. This inconsistency can hinder some pupils from improving their work over time.
Pupils study a broad range of subjects, but the uptake of courses that comprise the English Baccalaureate is below the national average. Leaders are actively working to increase participation in these subjects, including offering the opportunity to study two languages in key stage four. The school is also addressing literacy support for pupils, with staff receiving training to incorporate reading into lessons and implementing various strategies to enhance literacy across the curriculum.
Behaviour and attitudes at Jarrow School are commendable, with lessons rarely disrupted by poor behaviour. The school has a rewards programme that encourages positive behaviour, and rates of suspensions are low. However, some younger pupils expressed concerns about the handling of bullying incidents, indicating a need for improvement in this area.
The curriculum for personal development is integrated throughout school life, promoting an understanding of British values and responsible citizenship. Leaders have set clear targets for school improvement and provide opportunities for staff development. The governing body effectively supports and challenges school leaders, ensuring a focus on improving outcomes for students.
The safeguarding arrangements at Jarrow School are effective, with leaders aware of the diverse needs of pupils and working closely with parents and external agencies to ensure safety and support. Staff are trained to recognize risks and respond appropriately to concerns.
In summary, Jarrow School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive educational environment. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in curriculum planning and assessment consistency, the school is taking proactive steps to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
