Applecroft School, located in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, underwent its first inspection under the new framework on November 28 and 29, 2023. The school has been rated as good overall, with specific areas of strength identified in personal development, which was rated as outstanding. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
The headteacher, Lisa Withe, leads the school, which operates as part of a single-academy trust overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Louise Gardner. This inspection marks a significant milestone for Applecroft School, as it had not been previously inspected under section five of the Education Act 2005 due to its exemption from routine inspections until November 2020.
Pupils at Applecroft School report feeling happy and safe, describing their experience as being part of an Applecroft family. They actively contribute to both the school and the wider community, engaging in projects such as designing a stained-glass window for a local church. The school fosters a sense of leadership among students, encouraging them to communicate with school leaders about sustainability initiatives.
The school has high expectations for all pupils, emphasizing the importance of vocabulary across subjects. Pupils demonstrate excitement when they encounter new words and take pride in their understanding. The culture of care is evident, with older students looking after younger ones and ensuring they receive necessary support. The school effectively addresses any rare incidents of bullying, fostering a safe environment.
Pupils are educated on safety, both online and offline, learning about local dangers such as water and train lines. They also engage in discussions about diversity and respect, supported by visits to local places of worship. The curriculum has undergone significant changes in the past 18 months, with a focus on ambitious learning goals. The phonics curriculum is well-structured, enabling pupils to learn letter sounds quickly, although there are occasional gaps in practice opportunities during lessons. However, effective monitoring helps identify pupils who need additional support, allowing them to catch up.
The curriculum is well-sequenced across subjects, starting from early years, ensuring that pupils retain key knowledge. Nevertheless, some teachers may lack the specialized subject knowledge required for certain areas of the curriculum, which can affect pupils' retention of information. The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, adapting lessons to ensure they learn effectively alongside their peers.
Pupils exhibit polite and friendly behavior, showing confidence in their interactions with visitors. They generally behave well in lessons, with low levels of disruption. The school has implemented effective measures to promote regular attendance, resulting in strong attendance rates.
Applecroft School excels in providing opportunities for personal development, with a wide range of extracurricular activities available to all pupils. Participation levels are high, and pupils take on leadership roles during lunchtime, contributing to a calm and organized environment. The governing body is knowledgeable and supportive, helping to drive continuous improvement within the school.
The safeguarding arrangements at Applecroft School are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. However, the school has identified areas for improvement, particularly in enhancing teachers' subject knowledge to confidently deliver the new curriculum. Leaders are encouraged to utilize assessment and monitoring to gain a clearer understanding of the curriculum's strengths and weaknesses, allowing for targeted training and support for staff.
Overall, Applecroft School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils. The positive feedback from the inspection highlights the school's strengths while also providing a clear pathway for future development.
