Davenant Foundation School, located in Loughton, Essex, underwent its first routine inspection since converting to academy status in April 2011. The inspection took place on September 28 and 29, 2021, and the overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were all rated as good, while the sixth-form provision was rated as outstanding. The school has a proud heritage, and pupils express a strong sense of belonging and appreciation for the opportunities provided for their personal development. Staff are noted for their care and concern for students' well-being, contributing to a respectful and articulate student body.
The sixth-form students serve as positive role models, fostering a harmonious atmosphere where students generally behave well in lessons. While there are occasional instances of chatter, these are quickly addressed by staff. The school has effective measures in place to handle bullying, ensuring that students feel confident in reporting issues. The sixth-form curriculum is ambitious, providing strong careers guidance that helps students make informed decisions about their future paths.
The school excels in its academic offerings, particularly in the sixth form, where subject planning is well thought out and teaching is of high quality. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge, and all students successfully secure their next steps in further education, training, or employment. The school meets the requirements of the Baker Clause, offering a variety of enrichment activities that enhance students' learning experiences. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the main school curriculum. For instance, key stage three pupils do not study fieldwork in geography, which limits their understanding for later studies.
The needs of students with special educational needs and disabilities are closely monitored, with detailed individual learning plans in place. While some teachers effectively implement these strategies, consistency varies, leading to uneven learning experiences for some students. Pastoral support for these pupils is strong, with on-site specialist help available.
The school boasts an extensive extracurricular program, which is well-received by parents and students alike. Activities such as youth council participation, charity work, and various clubs contribute to a well-rounded educational experience. The personal, social, health, and economic curriculum is thoughtfully designed to promote tolerance and understanding of modern British life. Recent efforts have focused on enhancing diversity training for staff and celebrating the heritage of ethnic minority students.
Governance is effective, with governors holding school leaders accountable for curriculum decisions and the impact of remote education during the pandemic. However, there is a need for governors to evaluate the deployment of resources for supporting students with special educational needs to ensure best value for money.
The safeguarding arrangements at Davenant Foundation School are effective, with staff trained to recognize local risks and clear procedures for reporting concerns. Pupils feel safe and receive sound advice on issues such as online safety. To improve, the school should ensure that all staff consistently apply strategies for supporting students with special educational needs and address attendance issues among certain ethnic minority groups. Overall, Davenant Foundation School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education while recognizing areas for growth and development.
