The Corsham School, located in Wiltshire, underwent an inspection on September 11-12, 2019, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision were all rated as Good. This marked a significant improvement from the previous inspection in March 2017, where the school was rated as Requires Improvement.
The school is characterized by high expectations set by its leaders, who are committed to ensuring that all pupils strive to achieve their best. The headteacher is particularly noted for his passion and dedication to the academic and social success of the students. He maintains an open-door policy, encouraging communication among pupils, parents, and staff, which fosters a supportive environment where concerns can be addressed effectively.
Pupils at The Corsham School exhibit good behavior both in and out of lessons, demonstrating respect for one another and understanding the consequences of disruptive behavior. This contributes to a calm and orderly atmosphere conducive to learning. The school provides a secure and friendly setting where pupils can thrive, with older students offering support to younger peers.
The school offers a broad and rich curriculum from Year 7 onwards, with well-equipped classrooms and specialist teachers. Pupils excel in core subjects such as English, mathematics, and science, and receive sound guidance on selecting GCSE subjects. The school is committed to helping all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, succeed academically.
Leaders aim for a high participation rate in the English Baccalaureate, allowing pupils of varying abilities to choose necessary subjects while also pursuing creative and artistic studies. The number of pupils completing the English Baccalaureate is increasing, particularly as more students opt to study languages. Curriculum leaders have effectively planned the learning pathways for most subjects, contributing to improved GCSE and A-level results over the years.
However, there are areas for improvement. In some subjects, such as mathematics and art, the curriculum content is not as well organized as in others. Leaders need to ensure that curriculum plans provide sufficient detail for teachers regarding what pupils should learn and when. Additionally, while pupils generally behave well, there are instances in English and languages where the work assigned does not align with the high expectations set by leaders.
Attendance is generally good, but a small number of disadvantaged pupils struggle to attend regularly, which affects their academic performance. Leaders have not thoroughly investigated the reasons for this non-attendance, and there is a need for more effective strategies to address the issue. The school’s approach to safeguarding is effective, with staff vigilant in identifying vulnerable pupils and responding promptly to concerns.
Pupils learn about healthy relationships and the importance of fitness and nutrition. They engage in discussions on various topics, showcasing their respect for diverse cultures. The sixth form primarily offers A-level courses, with students receiving effective support for retaking GCSEs in English and mathematics. The school’s leadership, including the board of trustees, is focused on improving educational outcomes while being mindful of teachers' workloads.
Overall, The Corsham School demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a positive learning environment, with clear areas identified for further development to enhance student achievement and well-being.
