Sir Thomas Rich’s School in Gloucester has recently undergone an inspection by Ofsted, which took place on October 6 and 7, 2021. The school has been rated as good overall, with specific commendations in various areas. The quality of education, personal development, leadership, and management have all been rated as good, while behavior and attitudes have been deemed outstanding. The school has not been previously inspected under the current framework, but it was previously recognized as outstanding before its conversion to an academy in 2010.
Pupils at Sir Thomas Rich’s School express high levels of happiness and loyalty towards their school. They wear their badges with pride and feel safe, knowing they can approach any staff member with concerns. The leadership team sets high expectations for students, who respond positively to these standards. The school fosters a culture of respect, which contributes to the rarity of bullying incidents. Staff have effectively educated students on the negative impacts of banter, promoting an understanding of equality and respect for differences.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects of the curriculum that require improvement. Some teachers need to refine their instructional methods to better align with the abilities of their students. In certain subjects, the teaching does not fully reflect the students' capabilities, leading to lower standards. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, particularly in sports, and students actively participate in various clubs, including drama, debating, and chess.
The curriculum is designed with a whole-school vision, and most subject leaders have embraced this approach. This has resulted in a breadth of curriculum that allows a higher-than-average number of pupils to achieve the English baccalaureate. However, there are instances where the delivery of learning is not as effective as it could be, impacting students' retention of knowledge over time. Although pupils demonstrate strong verbal skills, this does not consistently translate into proficient writing abilities. The school is currently focusing on enhancing writing and grammar skills in key stage three.
Assessment of learning occurs at least once a term, with teachers addressing misunderstandings to ensure students are prepared for future learning. Pupils are encouraged to read widely, with staff providing reading lists to enhance vocabulary and comprehension. However, there is a lack of routine checks to ensure students engage with these reading materials, which diminishes the effectiveness of these initiatives.
The school’s personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum equips students with essential life skills, covering topics such as positive relationships and financial planning. The careers program is robust, with successful annual fairs connecting students with local and national employers, as well as universities. The school is committed to ensuring that disadvantaged pupils receive equal opportunities, with tailored support provided by teachers.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained in safer recruitment practices and ongoing training in safeguarding protocols. Leaders collaborate with external agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
To improve, the school needs to enhance the teaching strategies employed in certain subjects and ensure that staff accountability is consistently monitored. This will help to maximize the benefits of the educational processes in place. Overall, Sir Thomas Rich’s School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a supportive and effective learning environment for its students.
