Ridgewood School, located in Scawsby, Doncaster, has undergone a recent inspection that highlighted significant improvements in various areas. The school has been rated as good overall, with commendable performance in the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, sixth-form provision, and leadership and management. This marks a notable advancement from its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement.
Pupils at Ridgewood School benefit from a solid educational framework that fosters positive behavior and regular attendance. The staff effectively manage student behavior, which is particularly impressive given the challenges posed by the school's layout, consisting of multiple standalone buildings. The school prepares its students well for life after graduation, with many pursuing ambitious and appropriate destinations. Support for students with special educational needs and disabilities has improved, although there is still work to be done to ensure that those struggling with reading receive consistent assistance.
The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, and leaders actively monitor participation to enhance student engagement. Regular surveys of pupils help identify strengths and areas for improvement, particularly concerning bullying and safety concerns. Recent changes in the board of trustees have prompted a recognition of the need for more effective monitoring of the school's progress.
Leaders have made significant strides in enhancing the curriculum, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disadvantaged backgrounds, have access to an ambitious educational experience. Adjustments to the time allocated for subjects, particularly in science, have allowed for deeper exploration of the curriculum, which has been positively received by students. The introduction of additional language courses and a focus on improving the mathematics curriculum have also contributed to better academic outcomes.
While many subjects are performing well, leaders are aware of areas that require further support, particularly in English. The school is currently working to enhance the quality of written work and provide targeted support for pupils who are not fluent readers. The sixth form is thriving, with a wide array of subjects available and positive feedback from students regarding their experiences and the support they receive.
Leaders regularly seek feedback from pupils to identify concerns and understand academic successes. However, there is a need for more extensive feedback regarding the personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum, as some students have expressed dissatisfaction with this aspect of their education. The school has effective provisions for students with special educational needs, ensuring that their individual needs are recognized and addressed.
Despite the positive developments, the board of trustees has been identified as an area needing improvement. They must enhance their accountability and support for school leaders, particularly regarding the use of pupil premium funding and oversight of alternative provision. The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with leaders demonstrating a strong understanding of safeguarding issues and maintaining detailed records of concerns.
In summary, Ridgewood School has made commendable progress since its last inspection, achieving a good rating across multiple areas. While there are still challenges to address, particularly in supporting reading fluency and enhancing the PSHE curriculum, the overall trajectory of improvement is promising. The school community is engaged, and leaders are committed to ensuring that all pupils receive the support and education they need to succeed.
