Towers School and Sixth Form Centre, located in Ashford, Kent, underwent an inspection on 15 and 16 October 2024. The school has been rated as good in several key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and sixth-form provision. However, leadership and management have been identified as requiring improvement. The headteacher, Richard Billings, leads the school, which is part of the Towers School Academy Trust, overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Jasmine Turner.
The school fosters a strong sense of community, making pupils feel safe and happy. Students express high regard for the care provided by staff, who are attentive to their needs. Clear rules and routines contribute to a positive behaviour environment, with most pupils demonstrating excellent conduct. Disruption in lessons is infrequent, allowing students to focus on their learning. The school prioritizes the wider development of pupils, emphasizing citizenship and encouraging participation in enriching activities such as cheerleading and chess club.
Despite these strengths, there are concerns regarding the support for a small number of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These students do not consistently receive their full entitlement to education, particularly when placed on part-time timetables or external provisions. The school does not routinely evaluate the effectiveness of these arrangements, which can lead to disengagement from education.
The curriculum at Towers School is broad and balanced, effectively sequenced to build on pupils' existing knowledge. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and are adept at addressing gaps in pupils' understanding. Most students are achieving well in national examinations, and there is a focus on developing reading skills. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills among pupils. Some teachers do not consistently challenge students to think deeply, which can hinder their ability to apply learning to new concepts.
Attendance remains a challenge, with a significant number of pupils missing school regularly. This absence impacts their learning and engagement with the school's personal development programs. While the school has made some progress in improving attendance, further efforts are needed to strengthen partnerships with families and professionals to address barriers to regular attendance.
Behaviour management is a strong point for the school, with staff effectively implementing rules and expectations. The Rashford Centre provides additional support for pupils struggling with behaviour, reducing the need for suspensions. The school prepares pupils well for life beyond education, offering a comprehensive careers program and mentoring for sixth-form students.
The school is committed to providing a rich cultural experience, particularly through its performing arts curriculum and extracurricular activities. However, the use of alternative provisions and part-time timetables requires urgent review to ensure that all pupils receive the necessary support to engage fully with their education.
Overall, Towers School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in leadership, attendance, and support for SEND pupils, the school has many strengths that contribute to a positive learning experience for its students. The inspection highlights the need for ongoing evaluation and improvement in specific areas to enhance the overall effectiveness of the school.