Oasis Academy Coulsdon is recognized as a good school, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being and development of its pupils. Under the leadership of Principal Catrin Green, the school operates within the Oasis Community Learning trust, which includes oversight from CEO John Barneby and a board of trustees led by Caroline Taylor. The regional director, Anthony Williams, is responsible for this school and three others in the trust. The recent inspection on March 19 and 20, 2024, reaffirmed the school's status, highlighting its supportive environment that many describe as familial.
The school prioritizes high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders actively work to remove barriers for vulnerable and disadvantaged pupils, fostering positive relationships between students and staff. This supportive atmosphere contributes to good behavior and a sense of safety among pupils, who feel comfortable discussing any concerns with adults in the school.
Oasis Academy Coulsdon offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to explore their interests and talents. Opportunities include participation in the Personal Development Award, various clubs such as gardening and debating, and contributions to the student newspaper. Older pupils engage in charity projects, public speaking competitions, and visits to local universities as part of their career education. The school also encourages student leadership through groups focused on equality and diversity.
The curriculum is designed to be broad and balanced, building on prior knowledge and ensuring that pupils develop a strong understanding of complex concepts across subjects. For instance, in science, pupils progress from basic concepts of forces to more advanced topics like Newton's laws of motion. The curriculum is ambitious, with older students analyzing literature through various theoretical lenses, such as Freudian psychoanalysis and Marxist interpretation. Key vocabulary is carefully selected and taught to enhance learning.
Reading is a key focus, with younger pupils benefiting from a structured phonics program that supports their development. The school effectively addresses the needs of pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they achieve well. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge, presenting information clearly and helping pupils retain knowledge. However, there are instances where lessons do not sufficiently check pupils' understanding, which can hinder deeper learning.
The school maintains high expectations for behavior, resulting in a calm and orderly environment. Attendance has been a challenge, particularly following the pandemic, but the school is actively working to improve this aspect. Leaders analyze attendance data and implement strategies to support regular attendance, although the rate of improvement has not met expectations.
Oasis Academy Coulsdon provides a comprehensive personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum, teaching pupils about healthy relationships and consent. The school promotes understanding of diverse faiths and beliefs, organizing events like a culture day to celebrate community diversity. Staff express pride in their work and appreciate the support from leaders regarding workload and well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. While the school excels in many areas, it must continue to enhance opportunities for pupils to embed and extend their learning during lessons. Additionally, the attendance strategy needs further embedding to ensure all pupils attend regularly, particularly those with high absence rates. Overall, Oasis Academy Coulsdon remains a good school, committed to continuous improvement and the success of its pupils.
