Fairfax School, located in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, has recently undergone an inspection on May 21 and 22, 2024, and has been rated as good overall. The principal, Sean Castle, leads the school, which is part of the Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Simon Jones and a board of trustees chaired by Andy Best. The school serves a diverse student body of 1,579 pupils, including 253 in the sixth form, and caters to students aged 11 to 18.
The inspection highlighted the school's inclusive and thriving environment, where pupils enjoy attending and demonstrate good attendance. The quality of education is rated as good, with a strong emphasis on personal development, which is considered outstanding. The school has high expectations for its pupils and has developed a holistic curriculum that reflects these standards. In lessons, students are engaged and focused, often eager to participate in discussions and debates. Relationships among pupils and between pupils and staff are respectful, contributing to a positive atmosphere throughout the school.
The school has a robust house system that fosters community and participation in various activities, including sports and the annual Eisteddfod, which celebrates diverse art forms. The school ensures that all pupils are involved in these activities, with sixth form students taking leadership roles. Additionally, a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, such as peer mentoring and interest groups, are available to enhance the educational experience.
While the curriculum has been strengthened in recent years, there are areas for improvement. Some disadvantaged pupils are not achieving to their full potential, and leaders are aware of this issue. They are actively working to ensure that these pupils are central to improvement efforts. The school provides personalized pastoral support and focuses on attendance to help engage these students better.
The curriculum is designed to be coherent and ambitious, with careful sequencing of learning across subjects. However, there are instances where teachers move pupils on to new material before their understanding has been adequately assessed, leading to gaps in knowledge. The school has systems in place to support staff in addressing these gaps.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well supported and have access to the same curriculum as their peers. The school effectively identifies their needs and provides appropriate training for staff to meet these requirements. Early readers receive additional support to help them catch up.
The school's approach to personal development is integrated throughout the curriculum, allowing pupils to discuss serious issues in a safe environment. This prepares them for future challenges and helps them make informed decisions. The careers program broadens students' horizons, ensuring they are well-prepared for their next steps in education or employment.
Leadership at Fairfax School is strong, with a unified vision among leaders who are committed to continuous improvement. They prioritize staff well-being and professional development, which is positively received by the staff. The trust supports the school in its efforts to enhance educational quality and shares best practices with other institutions.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is encouraged to continue developing its curriculum to ensure consistent achievement for all pupils, particularly those who are disadvantaged. Regular checks on pupils' understanding before progressing in the curriculum will help address knowledge gaps and enhance overall learning outcomes.
