Coombe Boys’ School, located in New Malden, Surrey, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 12 and 13, 2023. Under the leadership of headteacher David Smith, the school is part of the Coombe Academy Trust, which oversees its operations through a board of trustees chaired by Emma Thomas. The school offers a demanding curriculum that most pupils respond to positively, achieving commendable results. Parents and carers express satisfaction with the care and support their children receive, highlighting the school’s strong pastoral care system that prioritizes mental health and well-being.
The school provides a diverse range of opportunities for character development, encouraging pupils to engage in community service and awareness campaigns, such as fundraising for the Royal British Legion and participating in the Sleep Out Challenge to address homelessness. Pupils also have access to various extracurricular activities, including theatre productions and sports competitions. The school promotes cultural development through its ‘five pillars’ initiative, which includes trips, activities, guest speakers, and social volunteering.
In terms of inclusivity, the school ensures that pupils with hearing impairments and communication needs have access to the same ambitious curriculum as their peers, with dedicated support to help them catch up if necessary. Overall, pupils demonstrate good behavior and focus on their learning, with effective responses to any incidents of bullying.
Coombe Boys’ School excels in offering a broad curriculum that caters to various interests, including modern foreign languages and design and technology. Teachers benefit from strong professional development and possess robust subject knowledge, which contributes to an ambitious approach to pupil learning. The curriculum is enhanced by opportunities for trips and guest speakers, enriching the educational experience.
However, there are areas for improvement. Some work provided to pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, is not always sufficiently adapted to ensure full access to learning opportunities. Additionally, there are instances where teachers move on to new topics without confirming that pupils have grasped essential concepts, leading to potential gaps in knowledge.
The sixth form curriculum is well-structured, catering for students pursuing A levels and applied qualifications. All pupils receive comprehensive careers advice, ensuring they are well-prepared for their next educational or career steps. The school collaborates with another institution within the trust to offer a wider range of subjects for A level students.
Reading is a significant focus at the school, with initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of independent reading. Pupils engage in discussions about their reading materials and participate in a weekly session dedicated to listening to books read aloud, promoting a love for literature.
The school offers a variety of clubs to cater to pupils' interests, including a notable drama and theatre program that allows students to perform in local venues. Pupils are encouraged to discuss important issues in wider curriculum lessons, demonstrating maturity and understanding of topics such as online safety and respectful relationships.
The school has established clear behavior expectations, and most pupils adhere to these, showing respect for one another. Staff report feeling well-supported by school leaders, with extensive resources available for professional growth. The trust has delegated responsibilities to a newly formed local governing body, which is being guided in overseeing key areas of the school.
The safeguarding arrangements at Coombe Boys’ School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Moving forward, the school should focus on adapting teaching for pupils with special educational needs and ensuring that all pupils secure foundational knowledge before progressing to new learning.
