Sunbury Manor School, located in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, has recently undergone an inspection that has revealed significant concerns regarding its overall effectiveness. The inspection, conducted on April 30 and May 1, 2024, resulted in an overall rating of inadequate, a stark contrast to its previous grade of good. The acting headteacher, Allan Cottle, leads the school, which operates as a single academy trust overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Emma Redfern.
The inspection highlighted that the expectations set for pupils are alarmingly low, leading to a high rate of absenteeism and disengagement from lessons. Many students refuse to attend classes, and when they do, their educational experiences are inconsistent due to a high turnover of staff, with many lessons being taught by temporary supply teachers. This instability has contributed to a lack of engagement among pupils, and teachers have not been effective in addressing disruptive behaviors.
Furthermore, the report noted a troubling normalization of racist and homophobic language among students. Many pupils expressed a lack of confidence in reporting such incidents, believing that their concerns would not be addressed adequately. This culture of discrimination has persisted due to insufficient action from school leaders when issues are raised. Although there are some extracurricular opportunities available, the overall offer is limited due to staffing challenges.
The report indicates a shared understanding among staff and pupils that the standards of behavior and education are unacceptably low. Frustration has grown over the lack of consistent and effective leadership, and there is hope for improvement with the appointment of a new headteacher. The inspection also revealed that while leaders and trustees recognize the decline in standards, they have struggled to implement necessary improvements due to staffing issues and a lack of leadership capacity.
Pupils experience a fragmented education, with many not benefiting from the planned curriculum due to low expectations for engagement and work. The school’s published outcomes are low, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, whose progress is significantly below average. Attendance rates are high, with many students persistently absent, and there is little indication of improvement in this area.
The report further emphasizes that the school is failing to provide an acceptable quality of education for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Staffing shortages in this area have hindered the timely identification of pupils' needs, and teachers often lack the necessary knowledge to support these students effectively.
In terms of safeguarding, the arrangements are deemed ineffective. The school lacks the capacity to ensure the safety of frequently absent pupils, including those who are vulnerable. There is insufficient oversight of pupils on reduced timetables, leading to concerns about their whereabouts. The lack of connectivity between different systems within the school has resulted in missed patterns of concern regarding safeguarding.
To address these issues, the report outlines several urgent actions for improvement. Leaders must prioritize the enhancement of safeguarding arrangements and ensure that the needs of all pupils, particularly those with special educational needs, are met. There is a pressing need for a clear and sustainable plan to raise educational standards and improve behavior across the school. The report also calls for the establishment of high expectations regarding pupil conduct and the consistent application of behavior policies to combat the normalization of prejudicial language.
Overall, the inspection findings indicate a critical need for immediate and effective action to address the numerous challenges facing Sunbury Manor School, with the aim of providing a safe and conducive learning environment for all pupils.
