Churchdown School, located in Gloucester, is recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 24 and 25, 2021. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils express happiness and pride in attending. Students feel safe and secure, knowing that staff genuinely care for their well-being and treat everyone fairly. Communication between pupils and staff is open, allowing students to approach teachers, including senior leaders, with ease.
Lessons at Churchdown School are described as engaging and enjoyable, with pupils striving to meet the high expectations set by their teachers. The school provides constructive feedback, which aids students in improving their work and enhancing their learning. To support academic growth, extra classes in English, mathematics, and science are offered after school, which pupils find beneficial, especially after a year of disrupted learning due to the pandemic.
Behavior among pupils is commendable, with kindness and friendliness prevalent in interactions. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, staff address them promptly and effectively. Pupils feel their opinions are valued and that they have a role in shaping the school's direction.
Leadership at Churchdown School is strong, with leaders prioritizing the management of staff workload, resulting in high morale among the teaching staff. Leaders are visible and approachable, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all students. The school has a low turnover rate, indicating a stable environment.
The curriculum is well-developed, particularly in subjects like English and mathematics, where careful planning and implementation lead to strong pupil performance. However, in a few subjects, there is a need for clearer identification of essential knowledge, which can hinder some pupils from achieving a deeper understanding. Leaders are aware of this and are working to enhance curriculum clarity across all subjects.
Teachers effectively implement the curriculum and utilize assessment strategies to monitor pupil learning. While there is some variation in the consistency of language use across departments, leaders are actively addressing this issue to ensure clarity in communication.
The school is making progress in increasing the number of pupils entered for the English Baccalaureate, although it remains below the national average. Leaders recognize the need to further integrate the EBacc into the curriculum.
Churchdown School adopts an inclusive approach for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate support and are fully integrated into school life. The school also emphasizes the development of reading skills, implementing strategies to assist pupils who struggle with reading.
In the sixth form, leaders maintain high expectations, offering a diverse range of subjects that students enjoy. The school prepares students well for their future endeavors, with an increasing number progressing to higher education.
The school promotes pupils' broader development through personal, social, and health education, as well as various extracurricular activities. Pupils exhibit calm and orderly behavior throughout the school, demonstrating maturity and self-management.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with well-organized processes in place to identify and support pupils in need. The school fosters a strong culture of safeguarding, ensuring pupils feel informed and confident in seeking help.
To improve, leaders must ensure that all curriculum plans clearly outline the specific knowledge pupils need to acquire. Additionally, enhancing the clarity of language used by teachers in the classroom will further support pupil understanding and expression of their thoughts. Overall, Churchdown School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its students.
