Denefield School, located in Tilehurst, Reading, Berkshire, has recently undergone an inspection on November 1 and 2, 2023, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. The headteacher, Edwin Towill, leads the school, which is part of The Denefield School Single Academy Trust, overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Trevor Keable.
The school is recognized for its inclusive and caring environment, fostering ambition among all pupils, including those with additional needs. Pupils engage in a diverse curriculum across all key stages, producing work of high quality, particularly in Years 7 to 11. The school’s personalized curriculum for some students is tailored to their individual needs, ensuring that all pupils can achieve their best.
Pupils benefit from excellent pastoral support, which helps them meet the school’s high expectations for behaviour. This support contributes to a respectful and polite atmosphere among students and staff. The school’s ‘Success For Life’ programme equips pupils with essential skills to navigate modern challenges, including safety, health, and understanding diversity. Sensitive topics are addressed thoughtfully, although the sixth-form programme is noted to lack the depth found in lower year groups.
In recent years, Denefield School has enhanced its curriculum to be more ambitious, utilizing research to clarify essential knowledge and skills for pupils. Teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge and employ effective teaching strategies, although the consistency of assessment practices across all key stages needs improvement. While some subject teams effectively connect knowledge and skills over time, this is not yet uniform across all areas.
The school prioritizes inclusive classrooms, with clear expectations for routines that foster positive relationships and calm learning environments. The identification of pupils with special educational needs is accurate, and most teachers make effective adjustments to support these students. However, there are instances where the needs of some pupils are not fully met, impacting their potential achievements.
Reading is a significant focus at Denefield School, with a well-structured strategy in place. Pupils who struggle with reading receive targeted support, and sixth-form students participate in a buddy reading programme. The school’s library serves as a vibrant hub for reading, accessible to all students.
Personal development is a key aspect of the school’s ethos, with strong provision in key stages 3 and 4, and evolving support in the sixth form. Pupils engage with spiritual, moral, social, and cultural themes through various programmes and activities, including comprehensive careers education from Year 7 to Year 13. The school offers a wide range of trips and extracurricular activities, although there is a desire for greater continuity between the main school and sixth form in personal development opportunities.
Trustees are actively involved in the school’s governance, holding leaders accountable and prioritizing pupil welfare. Staff receive thoughtful professional development, with strong support for early-career teachers. The school is committed to promoting staff well-being and reducing workload, contributing to a positive working environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at Denefield School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school recognizes the need to improve assessment practices to better gauge pupils’ understanding and address gaps in knowledge. Additionally, adaptations for pupils with special educational needs require consistent implementation to enhance their learning experiences. The school aims to fully embed personal development strategies in the sixth form, providing students with meaningful opportunities to take responsibility and contribute to the school community.
