Winchcombe School, located in Gloucestershire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on March 29 and 30, 2022. The school demonstrates a strong sense of community, with parents and carers expressing confidence in the care provided to pupils. Students feel well-supported and appreciate the opportunities to voice their opinions, which are taken into account by school leaders. The leadership team has established high expectations for student behavior and academic performance, promoting values such as integrity and responsibility throughout the curriculum.
The atmosphere within the school is generally calm and focused, with most students displaying positive attitudes towards their learning. However, there are instances where a small number of pupils disrupt lessons, indicating a need for improved behavior management strategies. The school has effective measures in place to address bullying, ensuring that students feel safe and secure.
Winchcombe School offers a diverse and engaging curriculum that prioritizes personal development alongside academic achievement. The range of extracurricular activities available, including drama, music, sports, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, caters to various interests and encourages student participation. Since the last inspection, the curriculum has been strengthened, with leaders carefully sequencing learning in most subjects to enhance knowledge retention. However, in a few subjects, the specific knowledge that students need to learn has not been clearly identified, which can hinder teachers' ability to assess student understanding effectively.
Reading is a key focus at Winchcombe School, with leaders promoting frequent reading among students. While many pupils recognize the value of reading, some have fallen out of the habit. The school provides support for those who struggle with reading, including a phonics curriculum and regular assessments to ensure progress.
Students with special educational needs and disabilities are included in all aspects of school life, with most participating actively in lessons. Teachers utilize information about these students' needs to tailor their teaching approaches. However, a small minority of students with SEND exhibit behavioral challenges that can disrupt the learning environment. The school is working to improve behavior management for these pupils, but some still spend excessive time outside the classroom due to ongoing behavioral issues.
The school is successfully increasing the number of pupils studying for the English Baccalaureate, with a growing emphasis on modern foreign languages and humanities subjects. The curriculum is designed to support students' personal development and understanding of the world, covering essential topics such as online safety and consent. Opportunities for leadership and responsibility are provided through roles in the school parliament and as senior prefects.
Winchcombe School has established a comprehensive careers program that meets the requirements of the Baker Clause, ensuring that students receive information about technical education and apprenticeships. Staff members report feeling well-supported by school leaders and take pride in their work. Governors are actively involved in school life, collaborating with leaders on key issues, including staff well-being and student behavior.
The safeguarding arrangements at Winchcombe School are effective, with strong pastoral support systems in place. Staff are trained in safeguarding issues, and pupils are educated about these topics as well. Relationships between staff and students are positive, with many pupils having a trusted adult to approach with concerns.
To improve further, the school needs to ensure that the curriculum is clearly defined and sequenced in all subjects, allowing teachers to effectively assess student progress. Additionally, a more effective behavior management system is required to support the small number of pupils with SEND who struggle with their behavior.
