Verulam School, located in St Albans, Hertfordshire, is recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on May 21 and 22, 2024. The headteacher, Fergal Moane, leads the school, which is part of the Alban Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Alan Gray and a board of trustees chaired by Deborah Strazza. The school has a positive environment where most pupils feel safe and content. They exhibit sensible behavior, and any rule-breaking is addressed firmly yet fairly. The school has a rich history and maintains traditions such as the prefect and house systems, which foster leadership among sixth-form students and provide role models for younger pupils.
Verulam School sets high expectations for academic achievement, and pupils generally perform well across the curriculum. The school offers a broad range of co-curricular activities, although participation in the performing arts is currently less robust compared to sports. The sixth form is structured to support students in developing leadership skills and self-responsibility, preparing them for future studies.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-organized, catering for the needs and interests of pupils across all key stages. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge, which contributes to the high achievement levels in core subjects like English and mathematics, as well as in history and geography. However, in a few subjects, the curriculum lacks detailed planning, leading to inconsistent standards.
New assessment strategies were implemented last year, focusing on checking pupils' knowledge through questioning and recall of previously learned information. While these methods are generally effective, they are not always tailored to the specific needs of different subjects. In some cases, excessive time spent on assessments limits the opportunity for teaching new content, hindering pupils' ability to achieve their full potential.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well-supported through a dedicated hub that provides individualized assistance. However, the consistency of support in mainstream classrooms varies, occasionally slowing the progress of these pupils. Attendance rates are improving, and the school has effective strategies in place to address absenteeism.
The school fosters a positive culture for personal development, particularly through its well-resourced personal, social, and health education curriculum. Staff and pupils appreciate the supportive leadership, although concerns about workload related to assessment persist.
The safeguarding arrangements at Verulam School are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. The inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly regarding the effectiveness of assessment strategies and the consistency of support for pupils with SEND. The school is encouraged to review its assessment methods and provide training for staff to better meet the needs of all learners.
Overall, Verulam School continues to provide a good educational experience, with a commitment to high standards and the personal development of its pupils. The school is well-regarded by its community and is actively working to enhance its provision in key areas.
