Moulton School and Science College, located in Northamptonshire, received a positive inspection report, highlighting its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on 27 and 28 June 2023, and the school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision were all rated as good.
The school is described as welcoming, with pupils who are polite, friendly, and engaged with adults. The ASPIRE ethos is emphasized, promoting hard work and character development. Leaders are committed to preparing students for the next stages of their education, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported. The high expectations set by governors and senior staff contribute to the overall achievement of pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Pupils generally exhibit good behavior in lessons and around the school. Incidents of low-level disruption are addressed promptly, and there is a clear process for dealing with bullying. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports clubs, the student council, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, which many pupils value.
The curriculum is broad and ambitious, allowing pupils to study a wide range of subjects. Leaders have organized the curriculum effectively, ensuring that essential knowledge is taught in a logical order. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and adapt their teaching to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND. However, some teachers need to improve their assessment practices to ensure that pupils' understanding is checked before introducing new concepts.
Relationships between pupils and staff are positive, and most pupils behave well. The school has implemented strategies to improve attendance, which have shown some success, but further improvement is needed. Support for pupils who struggle with reading is effective, with various interventions in place to enhance literacy skills.
Leaders have accurately identified pupils with SEND and work collaboratively with parents and external professionals to provide necessary support. The personal development curriculum is well-structured, helping pupils develop confidence and life skills relevant to modern Britain. Pupils learn about safety, respect, and their rights and responsibilities, with opportunities for leadership through roles such as school council members.
Careers guidance is well-planned, providing pupils with information about future options, including apprenticeships. Governors are actively involved in the school, regularly visiting to stay informed and holding leaders accountable. Staff express pride in their work and appreciate the consideration given to their workload.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safety within the school. Leaders are vigilant in monitoring pupil safety and act quickly when concerns arise. Staff receive regular training to identify potential risks, and appropriate background checks are conducted for all adults working in the school.
To improve further, the school needs to ensure that all teachers consistently check pupils' prior knowledge before progressing to more complex topics. Additionally, strategies to enhance attendance should be implemented more consistently to reduce persistent absence and ensure all pupils benefit from the full educational experience. Overall, Moulton School and Science College demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all pupils.
