Stoke Damerel Community College, located in Plymouth, Devon, underwent an inspection on February 15 and 16, 2022, and received 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 were all rated as good.
The leadership team at Stoke Damerel Community College has high expectations for its pupils, fostering an orderly atmosphere conducive to learning. Many students appreciate the care and support provided by staff, which contributes to their sense of safety within the school environment. The implementation of a new behavior policy has raised standards, although some students and parents have expressed concerns about its strictness. Nevertheless, the policy has resulted in a calm and focused learning environment, with minimal disruptions reported during lessons.
While instances of bullying do occur, the school staff generally address these issues promptly. However, there are concerns regarding the use of homophobic language among some students, which the leadership team is actively working to address through curriculum adaptations. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities that enrich students' understanding of the world, including performances and art programs that contribute to their spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development.
The curriculum at Stoke Damerel Community College is well-structured, broad, and balanced, with a focus on core subjects such as English, mathematics, and science. The school has made strides in improving the effectiveness of its curriculum since the last inspection, and students perform well in various subjects, including performing arts and computing. However, there are areas where the curriculum is not implemented as consistently, leading to gaps in students' learning in certain subjects.
Governance at the school is strong, with governors actively supporting the leadership team and holding them accountable for their performance. They have helped identify areas for improvement and have worked collaboratively with leaders to enhance the school's overall effectiveness. Attendance rates are improving, and the number of suspensions is decreasing, indicating positive trends in student engagement.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading, providing various strategies to help students improve their literacy skills. A focused reading program is in place for those who struggle, enabling them to gain greater independence and fluency in their reading abilities. Additionally, careers advice is integrated into the curriculum from Year 7, ensuring that students receive relevant guidance as they progress through their education.
Support for students with special educational needs and disabilities is effective, with tailored learning activities that cater to a diverse range of needs. Most students with SEND feel supported and are able to achieve their potential, although some teachers may require additional training to better adapt their teaching methods for individual students.
The safeguarding arrangements at Stoke Damerel Community College are robust, with a strong focus on pupil safety and well-being. Leaders have established effective systems for identifying and addressing concerns, ensuring that students receive timely support. The personal development curriculum is comprehensive, but there is a need for ongoing adaptation to address the challenges posed by the school community, particularly regarding the normalization of homophobic language.
In summary, Stoke Damerel Community College has made commendable progress in various areas since its last inspection. While there are still challenges to address, particularly in the consistency of curriculum implementation and the normalization of certain language among students, the overall environment is supportive and conducive to learning. The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement, ensuring that all students are prepared for life in modern Britain.
