Priestlands School, located in Lymington, Hampshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 21 and 22, 2023. The school fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment where staff prioritize getting to know students as individuals. The positive relationships between staff and pupils are a source of pride for the school leaders, and parents describe the atmosphere as nurturing. The behavior of students during lessons is calm and focused, with most pupils also displaying good behavior during social times. Instances of bullying are rare, and both pupils and staff are vigilant against discrimination and derogatory language. Students feel safe and confident that any issues will be addressed effectively by the staff.
The school’s ethos underpins the high aspirations leaders have for all pupils, both academically and personally. The curriculum is broad and relevant, allowing all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, to have varied choices upon leaving the school. Most pupils achieve well and are successful in their studies. To support wider development, the school offers a variety of clubs and activities that enable students to explore and pursue their interests outside the classroom. Participation and achievements in extracurricular activities are celebrated through the house system.
The curriculum is ambitious from Year 7, with a focus on academic courses in key stage 4, including those that contribute to the English Baccalaureate. Vocational options are also available, providing additional depth and variety. The curriculum is well-organized, and leaders have identified the essential knowledge and skills needed for pupil success. Teachers effectively deliver the curriculum, presenting new content clearly and selecting activities that help students embed their learning. The special educational needs coordinator provides valuable information to staff about how to support pupils with additional needs, and most staff utilize this information to adapt their teaching accordingly. However, there are occasional inconsistencies in curriculum delivery, which can affect the achievement of some pupils, particularly those who are disadvantaged or have SEND. Leaders are actively working to improve this consistency.
The school promotes a strong reading culture, with staff engaging pupils in varied texts and encouraging them to select ambitious books for pleasure. There is an effective program in place to help pupils catch up with reading, and staff quickly identify and address gaps in knowledge, leading to improvements in fluency and comprehension.
Classrooms are effective learning environments due to clear routines and positive relationships. While the new behavior systems are increasingly used, there are still challenges with the conduct of a small number of pupils during social times. Leaders are aware of this and are taking steps to ensure behavior is managed effectively at all times.
The school excels in preparing pupils for their future through a robust careers program that connects them with various employers and training providers. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities and engage in charitable activities, fostering their development as effective citizens. The curriculum includes relevant themes that reflect modern Britain, and pupils learn about safety and health, discussing important topics such as consent and online safety.
Staff express pride in working at the school, appreciating the support and professional development provided. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture in place to protect pupils. Leaders ensure that staff are well-trained to recognize and address risks, and pupils know how to seek help when needed. Overall, while the school demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring consistent teaching practices and behavior management across all settings.
