Hazelwick School, located in Crawley, West Sussex, has recently undergone an inspection on October 3 and 4, 2023, and has been rated as outstanding in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, where it was rated as good. The headteacher, Ann Fearon, leads the school, which operates under the Hazelwick School single academy trust, overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Lewis Clark.
The school environment is one where pupils thrive, supported by staff who maintain high expectations. Pupils demonstrate exemplary behaviour and embody the school’s values, achieving academic, social, moral, and cultural success. Their high attendance rates reflect their positive attitudes towards education. In national examinations, pupils achieve exceptional results, producing high-quality work across subjects. The ambitious curriculum and expert teaching inspire students to excel, with sixth-form students also performing highly and being well-prepared for their future endeavors.
Hazelwick School offers a wide range of enrichment activities, allowing pupils to engage in sports such as basketball and football, as well as clubs like debate and eco groups. The annual charity fundraiser for a local hospice is a highlight, showcasing the leadership skills of older pupils who organize the event, with sixth-formers serving as role models for younger students.
The school has implemented a well-designed curriculum across all key stages, ensuring that pupils study a broad range of subjects. The curriculum emphasizes English baccalaureate subjects in key stage four, while sixth-form students have access to a rich selection of A levels and vocational subjects. The curriculum is structured around core values, promoting diversity and inclusivity, which instills a strong sense of respect and acceptance among pupils.
Teachers at Hazelwick School are subject experts who create engaging learning experiences. They set challenging work that encourages pupils to build on their prior knowledge. The school effectively identifies gaps in pupils’ understanding and provides timely support, ensuring that key concepts are embedded in long-term memory. This approach has led to high achievement levels, with disadvantaged pupils performing as well as their peers nationally.
The school prioritizes the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive tailored support. The specialist resource provision for deaf pupils is particularly noteworthy. Staff are knowledgeable and committed to supporting weaker readers, helping them catch up quickly. The curriculum also focuses on improving literacy and understanding of key vocabulary, especially in English.
Personal development is well-organized, with a carefully designed personal, social, health, and economic curriculum that teaches pupils about safety and healthy relationships. The sixth-form PSHE curriculum addresses important issues such as consent and respect. Students benefit from various career guidance opportunities, including mock interviews and visits from alumni, which enhance their confidence in planning their future.
Staff at Hazelwick School report high levels of job satisfaction, feeling supported in managing their workload. Leaders are approachable, and trustees effectively hold them accountable for fulfilling their responsibilities. The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, Hazelwick School exemplifies excellence in education, fostering an environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally.
