Haygrove School, located in Bridgwater, Somerset, has received a positive inspection report, highlighting its overall effectiveness as good. The school is part of the Quantock Education Trust and is led by headteacher Aaron Reid. The inspection took place on April 16 and 17, 2024, and the school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in June 2022. The report emphasizes the school's commitment to providing a high-quality education, even in the face of challenges such as the main school building being deemed unsafe.
Pupils at Haygrove School feel safe and supported, with a strong pastoral system in place to promote their well-being. The school has established high expectations for behavior, encapsulated in the ethos known as 'The Haygrove Way.' This has resulted in positive behavior among students during lessons and social times. The school has made significant improvements to its curriculum, ensuring it is broad and ambitious, which has led to an increase in the number of pupils achieving well academically.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs and competitions, which help pupils develop their interests outside the classroom. The report notes that pupils express enthusiasm for events such as the Battle of the Bands competition. The curriculum has been strengthened to include subjects that contribute to the English Baccalaureate, and staff training has been effective in addressing the needs of pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Haygrove School places a strong emphasis on reading, with daily reading sessions and regular assessments to support pupils who need additional help. This focus has resulted in pupils becoming more fluent and confident readers, enabling them to access the curriculum effectively. The atmosphere in the school is described as calm and purposeful, with clear expectations for behavior and a commitment to addressing bullying and discriminatory language.
Despite the overall positive findings, the report identifies areas for improvement. It notes that teaching does not always effectively check pupils' understanding, which can hinder the identification of gaps in knowledge. Additionally, a minority of pupils do not attend school regularly enough, which affects their learning and achievement. The school is encouraged to continue developing strategies to support these pupils in improving their attendance and catching up on lost learning.
The safeguarding arrangements at Haygrove School are deemed effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and their welfare is prioritized. The leadership team, including the trust and governance bodies, work collaboratively to maintain and improve the quality of education provided. The report acknowledges the challenges faced this year due to the issues with the school site but commends the leaders for their support of both pupils and staff during this period.
Overall, Haygrove School is recognized for its commitment to excellence in education, with a strong focus on pupil well-being and academic achievement. The school is well-positioned to address the identified areas for improvement and continue its trajectory of success in the future.
