Hounsdown School, located in Totton, Southampton, has recently undergone an inspection from June 5 to June 6, 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, and leadership and management also receiving good ratings. Notably, personal development has been recognized as outstanding. The headteacher, David Veal, leads the school, which is part of the Hounsdown Academy Trust, overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Alison Hixon.
The school was last inspected seven years ago, receiving an outstanding rating under a previous framework. Since then, the school has been exempt from routine inspections until November 2020. An ungraded inspection occurred in March 2023, and the current report reflects the latest inspection framework and any changes since the last graded inspection.
Pupils at Hounsdown School are eager to take advantage of the numerous opportunities provided both in and out of lessons. They engage in various activities, including themed days, subject-based enrichment, sports clubs, and leadership roles such as mentoring younger students. The school fosters a positive learning environment where high expectations are set, and pupils are motivated to succeed. The supportive atmosphere encourages pupils to value their education and the assistance provided by their teachers.
The school emphasizes attendance and well-being, with many pupils utilizing 'The Hub' for support. Expectations for behavior are clear, and the school actively works to prevent bullying, addressing any incidents effectively. While some pupils report occasional bullying, the school's response is generally seen as effective.
Hounsdown School offers a well-structured and diverse curriculum, with leaders identifying essential knowledge and ambitious goals for each subject. Teachers are knowledgeable and passionate, creating engaging lessons that facilitate pupil progress. However, some teachers struggle to adapt their teaching to meet the needs of all pupils, an area that leaders are addressing through professional development.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, utilizing individual learning plans to aid their progress. A focus on developing confident readers is evident, with specific reading programs in place to assist less confident pupils.
The school environment is calm and welcoming, with strong relationships between staff and pupils. Behavior management is guided by restorative practices, although some inconsistencies in implementation have been noted. Attendance is generally high, and the school works diligently with pupils whose attendance has declined.
Pupils' character development is prioritized through various lessons and activities, with a focus on personal, social, health, and citizenship education. The school provides a range of career-focused activities, linking curriculum content to local labor market opportunities and work experience.
Governance at Hounsdown School is effective, with trustees holding leaders accountable. However, there is a need for leaders to improve the evaluation of their improvement strategies to ensure they are having the desired impact on standards. Staff report feeling well-supported and appreciate the positive work environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, although there are concerns regarding the monitoring of pupils engaged in remote learning. Leaders are encouraged to enhance their oversight of these pupils to ensure their welfare.
In summary, Hounsdown School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for its pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in monitoring and adapting teaching practices, the school is well-regarded by its community and continues to strive for excellence in education.
