The Romsey School, located in Hampshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 20 and 21, 2023. The school is dedicated to fostering an environment of compassionate excellence, which is evident in its core values of aspire, care, and include. These principles are deeply embedded in the school culture, promoting high aspirations among pupils and a strong sense of community and inclusivity. Students exhibit calmness, engagement, politeness, and respect, contributing to a positive atmosphere where bullying is rare and effectively addressed.
The school places a strong emphasis on high-quality careers support, which plays a crucial role in shaping students' aspirations. Many pupils continue their education at local colleges, supported by a robust careers education program that includes visiting speakers, external visits, and business links. Cultural understanding is enhanced through extracurricular activities and trips, which enrich the curriculum and provide diverse learning experiences.
Leadership at The Romsey School is characterized by commitment and determination to drive improvement. The leadership team utilizes evidence-based research to inform their strategies and has effectively employed self-evaluation to identify areas for growth. The curriculum is well-structured, building on the foundation laid by primary schools and preparing students for post-16 education. It is ambitious, regularly adapted, and evaluated to ensure it meets the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Teachers maintain high expectations for all students, providing extensive support for higher achievers through interventions and enrichment opportunities. Strong relationships between teachers and pupils foster a conducive learning environment, with lesson planning focused on knowledge retention and retrieval. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in highlighting links across subjects to enhance students' broader understanding and retention of knowledge.
Reading and literacy initiatives are progressing well, although there is a need for greater emphasis on subject-specific vocabulary. The quality of work in students' exercise books varies, and while assessment practices are effective, there is room for improvement in ensuring consistency across all subjects. Attendance and behavior are closely monitored, with initiatives in place to address any shortfalls, leading to positive changes in student engagement.
The school offers a comprehensive program for student welfare and well-being, actively promoted through personal, social, and health education. However, there is a need for better integration of this program across all areas of provision. Curriculum leadership is strong, with teachers aligned with the school's vision, but further embedding of curriculum implementation is necessary.
The leadership team is determined and has made significant strides in addressing attendance, behavior, and teaching quality. The headteacher's decisive approach has been instrumental in these improvements. Trustees and governors are well-informed and actively engaged, providing support and holding the school accountable.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong culture of safety established within the school. Staff receive regular training, ensuring they are equipped to identify and report safeguarding issues. Pupils are educated on safety, including online safety, and have access to supportive pastoral systems.
While the school has made commendable progress, leaders recognize that the quality of education is not yet consistently perfected across all subjects. Continued efforts are needed to ensure consistent curriculum implementation and to enhance connections between different areas of learning. Overall, The Romsey School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all students.
