Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Testwood School on 15 January 2019, with the findings indicating that the school continues to maintain a good standard of education since its last inspection in June 2015. The leadership team, under Mrs. Jenny Pitman, has upheld high expectations and created a safe and engaging environment for students. Staff members are dedicated and supportive of the school's direction, and parents express appreciation for the headteacher's commitment and enthusiasm. The school fosters a calm and friendly atmosphere, with students actively engaged in their learning and demonstrating polite behavior. The majority of parents would recommend the school, and enrollment numbers are on the rise.
The leadership has effectively addressed areas for improvement identified in the previous inspection, with a focus on enhancing the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment. Staff training and updates to the feedback policy have led to improvements in students' writing, although there are still inconsistencies in challenging the most able pupils. Support for students with lower reading levels has been strengthened, resulting in significant progress for these pupils. The school’s GCSE results over the past two years show that overall progress scores align with national averages, with particular success noted for students with special educational needs and disabilities.
The curriculum has been reviewed to meet students' needs and aspirations, maintaining strengths in core subjects while expanding offerings in sports and creative subjects. Careers education is well-structured, providing students with valuable information about post-16 opportunities. The school has responded effectively to previous declines in achievement, with middle leaders actively working to improve teaching and learning outcomes.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with effective systems in place to manage requirements. An external review of safeguarding has led to further refinements in practices. Staff are well-trained and vigilant, ensuring a safe environment for students. The school has made significant strides in improving attendance, which is now in line with national averages, thanks to targeted initiatives and close monitoring.
The inspection highlighted the need for teachers to consistently utilize the new assessment and feedback systems across all subjects, particularly in science, and to provide more challenging activities for the most able students. Governors are encouraged to deepen their understanding of performance data to better evaluate the effectiveness of policies and initiatives aimed at improving teaching and learning. Overall, Testwood School demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and a positive learning environment for its students.
