Lavington School, located in Market Lavington, Wiltshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 6 and 7, 2023. The school has a positive atmosphere where pupils express pride in their institution, describing it as a happy place conducive to learning. Students enjoy their educational experience, often referring to it as fun, and they appreciate the support provided by their teachers. The school environment is characterized by calmness, orderliness, and friendliness, which contributes to effective learning.
Pupil behavior is commendable, fostering a supportive learning environment. The school emphasizes kindness and has established a culture where bullying is rare. Students feel secure in approaching staff with any concerns, confident that issues will be addressed promptly. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities that engage students during breaks and lunchtimes, allowing them to connect over shared interests and faiths. Popular programs include residential trips, enrichment days, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, which enhance students' leadership skills and boost their confidence.
The leadership team at Lavington School has developed an ambitious curriculum that is regularly reviewed for strengths and areas needing improvement. Subject leaders are reflective and work to ensure that the curriculum provides a comprehensive range of knowledge. The curriculum includes diverse and challenging texts in English, promoting depth in learning. Staff training is effectively planned, enhancing teachers' subject knowledge and teaching strategies. Teachers maintain high expectations and build strong relationships with students, resulting in good academic progress.
Assessment practices are utilized to monitor student learning, with teachers employing challenging questions to gauge understanding. However, there are areas within the curriculum where assessment is not consistently effective in identifying misconceptions. Leaders are encouraged to enhance the use of assessment information to improve learning outcomes. The school is proactive in identifying and supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that their needs are met through tailored curriculum support.
Since the last inspection, the school has implemented a whole-school approach to literacy, focusing on reading and oracy. Interventions for lower-attaining readers are in place, and vocabulary development is integrated across subjects. The school aims to increase the number of students studying subjects within the English Baccalaureate framework, particularly language subjects, in the future.
Behavior management has improved significantly, with staff teaching tolerance and respect among students. The personal development curriculum effectively coordinates statutory elements, and the careers program provides valuable work experience opportunities for Year 10 students. The curriculum is regularly reviewed to align with student needs.
The leadership team is attentive to staff workload, ensuring that teachers feel supported. Trustees and governors demonstrate ambition for the school, actively engaging in their responsibilities to challenge and support school leaders. Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff well-trained to identify and respond to concerns. The school maintains a strong culture of safeguarding, ensuring that pupils feel safe and receive necessary support.
Overall, Lavington School continues to provide a good educational experience, with a commitment to ongoing improvement in teaching, learning, and student well-being. The school is well-positioned to build on its strengths and address areas for development, ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education.
