William Farr C of E Comprehensive School, located in Welton, Lincolnshire, underwent its first inspection under the Education Act 2005 on 19 and 20 October 2022. The school received an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. The school is an academy converter, catering for students aged 11 to 18, with a total enrollment of 1,439 pupils, including 231 in the sixth form.
Pupils and sixth-form students express appreciation for the school’s core values, which emphasize compassion, friendship, perseverance, respect, responsibility, and wisdom. They feel that teachers not only support their academic growth but also contribute to their personal development, helping them become responsible individuals. The school has a strong anti-bullying culture, with students reporting that incidents are rare and effectively managed. The promotion of diversity and equality is evident, with an active LGBTQ+ community and initiatives addressing misogynistic language and behaviour.
The school’s curriculum is well-structured, offering a broad range of subjects that foster a love for learning. At key stages four and five, the academic curriculum prepares students for their future endeavors. Teachers are knowledgeable in their subjects and utilize effective assessment strategies to gauge student understanding. Early reading support is robust, with pupils encouraged to explore various genres, fostering a love for reading.
While most pupils exhibit good behaviour, there are inconsistencies in how staff manage behaviour across the school. The behaviour policy lacks clarity, which can lead to confusion among pupils regarding expectations. Personal development is a notable strength, with a comprehensive personal, social, and health education curriculum that equips students to make informed choices about their futures. The school offers extensive extracurricular activities, although there is room for improvement in ensuring that disadvantaged pupils fully benefit from these opportunities.
The school effectively promotes the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of its pupils, integrating these aspects into daily school life. Sixth-form students are actively involved in the school community and serve as positive role models, appreciating the support they receive from teachers. Staff members feel trusted by leadership and value the professional development opportunities available to them, contributing to a positive working environment.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong ethos surrounding pupil safety. Students feel secure and know where to seek help if needed. However, there are some gaps in record-keeping regarding the support provided to pupils. Leaders are aware of these issues and are taking steps to address them. Staff are well-trained to identify safeguarding concerns and understand the procedures for reporting them.
To improve, the school must ensure that the curriculum is consistently adapted for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to enhance their achievement. Additionally, efforts should be made to encourage disadvantaged pupils to engage in extracurricular activities to broaden their experiences. Finally, the school needs to clarify and consistently implement behaviour management procedures to ensure a cohesive approach to addressing poor behaviour. Overall, William Farr C of E Comprehensive School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment for all its pupils.
