Honiton Community College is an improving secondary school located in Devon, England. The recent inspection conducted on November 22 and 23, 2022, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The quality of education was also rated as Requires Improvement, while behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision were rated as Good. The school has undergone significant changes, including the appointment of a new principal and chair of governors in September 2022.
The school community has noted improvements in behaviour, contributing to a calm and settled atmosphere conducive to learning. Leaders are actively working to enhance the curriculum, although there is still progress to be made to ensure all students can learn effectively. Pupils feel safe and supported, with leaders encouraging them to voice concerns, particularly regarding bullying. The school promotes a welcoming culture where students feel accepted and valued.
Honiton Community College offers various extracurricular activities, including sports and fundraising events, which foster a sense of community and belonging among students. The introduction of a more rigorous curriculum in key stage three aims to better prepare pupils for the challenges of GCSEs, although the current proportion of students achieving the English baccalaureate remains low.
Despite the positive aspects, the inspection revealed areas needing improvement. Many subjects are still in the early stages of implementing new learning materials, and teachers do not consistently check pupils' understanding effectively. Some students struggle with grasping key concepts and vocabulary, which hinders their ability to follow the curriculum. In contrast, the sixth form has a well-established curriculum that supports students in addressing gaps in their knowledge and skills.
Reading support is another area of concern, as some pupils do not receive adequate phonics instruction, impacting their overall literacy development. The school has a significant number of pupils with education, health, and care plans, but leaders have not sufficiently outlined the small steps needed for these students to achieve their long-term goals. Consequently, pupils with special educational needs and disabilities do not secure essential knowledge effectively due to a curriculum that is not tailored to their needs.
Behaviour expectations have been raised, and pupils understand what is required of them in lessons and throughout the school. The leadership of behaviour has allowed staff to focus on teaching, contributing to a more purposeful learning environment. Many students aspire to attend university, and the school provides support and guidance to help them consider higher education and apprenticeship opportunities.
Leaders effectively promote personal development, ensuring pupils are informed about school matters and understand their role in fostering a positive school culture. The school meets the requirements of the Baker Clause, providing pupils with information about technical education and apprenticeships.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders maintaining a good overview of safeguarding issues and ensuring that pupils receive clear messages about safety. Staff are vigilant and well-trained, and the school has responded appropriately to findings related to sexual harassment and abuse in schools.
To improve, the school must focus on identifying gaps in pupils' knowledge and addressing them systematically. The curriculum needs to be adapted to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can learn essential content successfully. Additionally, reading must be prioritized to enhance pupils' literacy skills and confidence. Overall, while Honiton Community College has made strides in certain areas, there remains a need for continued development to ensure all students can achieve their full potential.
