Hendon School, located in Hendon, London, was inspected by Ofsted on May 18 and 19, 2022. The school received an overall effectiveness rating of Good, maintaining a strong reputation for quality education. The inspection assessed various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision, all of which were rated as Good. Previously, the school had been rated Outstanding, but the gap between inspections was longer than usual due to its exemption from routine inspections until November 2020.
Pupils expressed pride in their school, highlighting the diverse range of subjects offered and the supportive environment that fosters acceptance and safety. The curriculum is designed to cater to all pupils, with opportunities to study multiple languages, including Japanese, and subjects like drama and dance. Many students progress to the sixth form, where a variety of A-levels and vocational courses are available. Leaders emphasize the importance of success for all pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they are fully included in the curriculum.
The school has established clear routines and systems that contribute to good behavior among pupils. Students are focused during lessons and report that bullying is not a significant issue, with staff addressing any concerns promptly. The school’s approach to behavior management is currently being enhanced to encourage pupils to take responsibility for their actions.
Hendon School excels in providing a broad curriculum, with careful planning to ensure that pupils know and remember essential content. Teachers are generally specialists in their subjects, and lessons are structured to build understanding progressively. Opportunities for revisiting content help pupils achieve fluency in their learning. Regular checks on pupils’ understanding are typically effective, although some inconsistencies exist in how these checks are applied across all subjects.
Leaders collaborate effectively with primary schools to support pupils transitioning to Hendon School, particularly those with SEND. The school’s provisions for these pupils ensure they receive the same knowledge as their peers. Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning, and their behavior in lessons is commendable. The school is currently implementing a new behavior management approach to further strengthen existing systems.
The personal development of pupils is well-supported through programs like Smart Futures, which teaches respect and safety, both online and offline. A comprehensive careers program begins in Year 7 and continues through to post-sixth form support. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, and participation rates are high. Leaders are resuming trips to enhance learning experiences following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
Staff at Hendon School feel valued and appreciated, with opportunities to share their views and concerns. Leaders are responsive to staff feedback, considering workload when making decisions. The governing body maintains good oversight of the school, holding leaders accountable while providing necessary support.
The safeguarding arrangements at Hendon School are effective, with leaders and staff well-trained to identify and report potential issues. The safeguarding team collaborates with external agencies to ensure pupils receive the support they need. Pupils are educated on maintaining their safety and understanding healthy relationships.
To improve further, the school should focus on enhancing teachers' expertise and confidence in implementing the curriculum and assessing pupil progression. This will ensure that all pupils learn the intended subject content deeply and effectively.
