Platanos College, located on Clapham Road in London, underwent an inspection on 19 and 20 October 2021, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The school, which caters to students aged 11 to 16, has a diverse curriculum that includes a wide range of subjects, particularly in the arts and digital arts. The leadership team is focused on ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant to students' future educational and employment opportunities. Teachers maintain high expectations for student learning and achievement, fostering a positive learning environment characterized by strong relationships between students and staff.
Students express enjoyment in their school experience, benefiting from various clubs, workshops, and events that allow them to explore their interests. The school promotes personal development through its unique curriculum, the Portfolio for Life, which encompasses personal, social, health, and economic education, as well as relationships and sex education. This program aims to help students understand themselves and their roles within their community and society at large, encouraging them to become confident and considerate individuals.
The inspection highlighted the school's strengths, including the ambitious curriculum and the effective support provided to students, particularly those with special educational needs. Subject leaders have developed detailed curriculum plans that ensure key concepts are well sequenced, allowing students to build on prior knowledge. The school has implemented strategies to help students retain information, such as revisiting previous work and practicing skills in various subjects.
Despite these strengths, the inspection identified areas for improvement. Some subjects, particularly design and technology, lack depth in the curriculum, and the current arrangement of taster options in Year 9 limits students' exposure to a broader range of subjects. Additionally, geography is not offered after Year 9, although plans are in place to reintroduce it in September 2022. The leadership team is aware of these issues and is actively working to enhance the curriculum to ensure a balanced and comprehensive educational experience for all students.
The school has a strong provision for personal development, with a variety of extracurricular activities available to students. The careers program is comprehensive, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their next educational steps. The school also provides support for students attending alternative provisions, helping them to settle in and make progress in their courses.
Safeguarding arrangements at Platanos College are effective, with leaders identifying at-risk students and collaborating with external agencies to provide necessary support. The school ensures that all staff undergo the required checks and that safeguarding training is regularly updated.
While the leadership and trustees have effectively overseen many aspects of the school, there is a need for stronger accountability regarding the quality of education. Trustees have not consistently challenged leaders on curriculum decisions, which is essential for ensuring that the school meets its educational ambitions. The inspection concluded that while the school has made significant progress since its last inspection, there is still work to be done to enhance the breadth and depth of the curriculum and to strengthen oversight of educational quality. Overall, Platanos College provides a supportive and enriching environment for its students, preparing them well for their future endeavors.
