Queen Elizabeth School in Kirkby Lonsdale, Lancashire, received a positive inspection report following its evaluation on October 12 and 13, 2022. The school is recognized for its overall effectiveness, achieving a rating of good across various categories, including the quality of education, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. The school has not been previously inspected under the current framework, making this evaluation particularly significant.
The school community, comprising pupils, students in the sixth form, and staff, expresses pride in their affiliation with Queen Elizabeth School. The school's motto, emphasizing scholarship and care, is reflected in the high-quality education and pastoral support provided to students. Leaders and governors maintain high expectations for student achievement, and the curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to enjoy learning and achieve commendable results. This positive environment extends to all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as disadvantaged pupils.
Students report feeling safe and happy at school, with clear channels for communication if they experience distress or concerns. Instances of bullying are reported as rare, and when they do occur, staff respond promptly and effectively. The behavior of pupils is exemplary, characterized by respect for one another and for staff, and a notable enthusiasm for learning. The school fosters a culture where students actively participate in the community, with sixth-form students taking on leadership roles and organizing clubs for younger pupils. The variety of extracurricular activities, including the Pride Group and the steel pan band club, contributes to a vibrant school life.
The curriculum is ambitious, broad, and balanced, delivered by passionate teachers with strong subject expertise. Leaders have made significant efforts to ensure that the curriculum is logically organized, enabling students to build their knowledge progressively. Assessment strategies are employed effectively to identify gaps in knowledge, although there are areas where some teachers could improve in addressing misconceptions more swiftly. This gap can hinder the learning of some pupils, preventing them from securing the knowledge necessary for their progression.
The school prioritizes the early identification of students with special educational needs, ensuring that staff are equipped with strategies to support these pupils effectively. However, there is a need for clearer systems to identify pupils who are at the early stages of learning to read, as this can impact their ability to access the full curriculum. Leaders have introduced a comprehensive personal development program that encourages discussions on various important topics, including online safety and mental health.
The governing body plays an active role in supporting and challenging school leaders, maintaining a focus on improving educational quality. Leaders are also attentive to staff well-being, with initiatives in place to support their workload. The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance and training among staff to identify and respond to potential risks to pupils.
Overall, Queen Elizabeth School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and a supportive environment for all students. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in addressing reading abilities and ensuring effective assessment practices, the school is well-positioned to continue its positive trajectory. The inspection highlights the strengths of the school and the dedication of its staff and leadership in fostering an enriching educational experience for its pupils.
