Casterton College Rutland, located in Great Casterton, Stamford, Lincolnshire, underwent an inspection on September 26 and 27, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, consistent with its previous inspection grade. The principal, Carl Smith, leads the school, which is part of the Casterton College single-academy trust overseen by a board of governors co-chaired by Tim Smith and Liz Odom.
The school fosters an environment where staff are dedicated to ensuring that pupils are both successful and happy. The vision of the school emphasizes that ability is not fixed, and the curriculum is designed to support all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils are educated on safety and the school has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, with most students reporting that staff take incidents seriously. However, some pupils feel hesitant to report bullying, indicating a need for improvement in this area.
Pupils generally exhibit good behavior and maintain positive relationships with one another and their teachers. The atmosphere in classrooms is focused and respectful, with pupils aware that their teachers have their best interests at heart. The school promotes high aspirations among pupils, and many parents believe that the school maintains high expectations for their children.
The curriculum is well-structured, outlining the knowledge pupils should acquire in each subject. Pupils make good progress and achieve well across a wide range of subjects. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and employ effective questioning techniques to enhance pupils' understanding. They also provide opportunities for discussion, which helps reinforce learning. The reading curriculum is ambitious, with all subjects supporting pupils' reading development. Many pupils feel confident in their reading abilities, and the school provides additional support for those who enter with weaker skills.
The school ensures that pupils with special educational needs can access the full curriculum, with their needs identified promptly. The personal development program is well-planned, teaching pupils about active citizenship and the importance of understanding different protected characteristics. Most pupils feel they can express themselves freely and value their well-being sessions.
While the school has a solid careers education program, there is recognition that more work is needed to provide all pupils with access to impartial careers advice. Pupils have numerous opportunities to explore new interests and engage in extracurricular activities, contributing to their overall development. The school has also implemented creative programs to support pupils' mental health, including the use of a therapy dog.
Attendance is generally good, but the attendance of disadvantaged pupils is a concern that the school is prioritizing. The school has established clear behavior routines and provides effective support for pupils who struggle with self-regulation. Staff feel supported by leadership, which considers their workload and well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective. However, the school must address the issue of pupils feeling unable to report bullying and ensure that all concerns are adequately addressed. Additionally, improving attendance among disadvantaged pupils and enhancing career guidance for all pupils are areas identified for further development. Overall, Casterton College Rutland demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
