Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Overton Grange School on 19 March 2019, following its previous judgment of good in January 2016. The inspection team, led by Ofsted Inspector David Boyle, found that the school continues to maintain its good status. The leadership team has provided stability and continuity after the previous headteacher's departure, earning positive feedback from staff, parents, and governors. The majority of respondents to the Ofsted surveys expressed pride in the school and confirmed that pupils feel safe and happy.
The leadership team has effectively maintained the quality of education since the last inspection, addressing areas for improvement identified previously. Notably, there has been a marked improvement in pupils' progress in GCSE outcomes, particularly in science, where leaders have focused on enhancing performance for all pupils, including those with lower starting points. However, the leadership acknowledges that further work is needed to ensure sustained improvement in previously identified areas.
During the inspection, some pupils indicated that behavior in lessons could be more consistently effective, particularly in lower-ability sets, where low-level disruption was noted. While the behavior observed during the inspection was generally appropriate, the leadership is reviewing school systems to enhance consistency in behavior management across all lessons. Attendance rates have improved and are now broadly in line with the national average, although persistent absence remains a concern, particularly among disadvantaged pupils.
Governors are committed to supporting the senior leadership team and recognize the need for additional training to enhance their strategic capabilities. They are keen to learn from effective practices in other schools to strengthen their governance. Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained in statutory guidance and clear roles established for safeguarding responsibilities. Pupils feel comfortable approaching staff with concerns, ensuring their safety and well-being are prioritized.
The inspection also focused on the actions taken to improve attendance and behavior. Leaders have implemented measures to address absence, including contacting families on the first day of absence, which is beginning to yield positive results. Additionally, strategies to reduce fixed-term exclusions have been effective, with a decrease noted in the number of exclusions due to improved behavior management approaches.
The curriculum has been developed to enhance the progress of boys at key stage four, addressing previous disparities in performance compared to girls. Leaders are aware of the need for a consistent approach to ensure all pupils receive appropriately challenging work. The school is also focused on ensuring strong progress in the sixth form, where intervention programs have been introduced to address weaknesses in subject provision.
Students in the sixth form report positively on their experiences and the support they receive, with many progressing to university or training after graduation. The school encourages student involvement in wider school life, fostering a sense of community and responsibility among pupils. The next steps for the school include ensuring that all pupils, particularly boys with middle prior attainment, make rapid progress, sustaining attendance improvement strategies, and consistently applying behavior policies to further reduce exclusions. The inspection findings highlight the school's commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
