Teign School, located in Kingsteignton, Devon, underwent an inspection on 11 and 12 October 2022, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision all received a good rating.
Pupils at Teign School report feeling happy and safe, enjoying positive relationships with peers and staff. The school has a strong anti-bullying policy, and incidents of bullying are addressed promptly and effectively. Respect for diversity is emphasized, and pupils are encouraged to treat everyone equally. The leadership team has embedded the principle of respect within the school culture, providing opportunities for pupils to express their opinions through student councils.
The school has established high expectations for behavior, and pupils generally meet these expectations, demonstrating positive attitudes towards learning and taking pride in their work. There are numerous opportunities for pupils to engage in leadership roles, such as library assistants and mental health champions, fostering a sense of responsibility and community involvement.
Teign School offers a broad and ambitious curriculum that caters to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is designed to prepare pupils for future learning and includes a focus on the English Baccalaureate at key stage four. In the sixth form, ambitious programs of study are in place to support students' academic and personal growth.
Teachers at the school possess strong subject knowledge, facilitating valuable discussions and helping pupils acquire essential vocabulary. Leaders utilize assessment effectively to inform curriculum planning and address knowledge gaps. However, there are inconsistencies in the application of assessment strategies, which can affect the embedding of knowledge among some pupils.
The school has implemented a reading program aimed at enhancing pupils' fluency and enjoyment of reading. While this initiative is effective in some areas, the early reading curriculum requires further development to achieve the desired impact. The personal development program is well-structured, promoting healthy relationships and mental well-being, alongside a variety of extracurricular activities that contribute to character development.
Pupils receive effective careers guidance, including meaningful work experience opportunities, preparing them for future education, employment, or training. The school meets the requirements of the Baker Clause, ensuring that pupils are informed about technical education and apprenticeship options.
Leadership at Teign School is strong, with trust leaders providing effective support to school leaders. This collaboration has led to improvements in educational quality. The local governing body plays a crucial role in supporting and challenging school leaders, ensuring resources are managed effectively. Staff express satisfaction with the support they receive, noting that leaders are considerate of their workload and well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at Teign School are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding established. Leaders are proactive in identifying pupils who require support and take timely action to secure necessary assistance. The curriculum includes education on risks, both online and offline, ensuring pupils are aware of issues such as sexual harassment and abuse.
To further improve, the school should focus on ensuring that assessment practices are consistently applied across all subjects to enhance pupils' understanding and knowledge retention. Additionally, the early reading program needs to be refined to better support pupils in developing reading fluency and accuracy. Overall, Teign School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment for all its pupils.
