The Cowplain School, located in Waterlooville, Hampshire, has recently undergone an inspection on the 5th and 6th of March 2024, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school is led by Principal Ian Gates and is part of The Cowplain School Trust, which is overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Steve Head. The school serves students aged 11 to 16 and has a current enrollment of 995 pupils.
Pupils at The Cowplain School appreciate the warm and welcoming atmosphere, which motivates them to work hard and strive for success. The school maintains high expectations for student behavior, and most pupils conduct themselves sensibly in lessons and throughout the school. Relationships between staff and students are built on mutual respect, fostering a safe and happy environment. While attendance is improving, there are still a few pupils who do not attend as frequently as they should.
The school is committed to developing pupils' character through a variety of clubs, experiences, and trips. Leadership opportunities, such as being a reading buddy or a member of the school council, allow pupils to contribute positively to their community. The school has a clear vision for pupil success, although the performance of Year 11 students in public examinations in 2023 was not as strong, largely due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The curriculum at The Cowplain School has undergone significant improvements and is designed around three central strands: thinking hard, developing character, and understanding diversity. The curriculum clearly outlines the essential knowledge pupils should learn and the sequence in which it should be taught. Reading is emphasized as a foundational skill, with support provided to pupils who need to catch up. However, the number of pupils pursuing the English Baccalaureate in Key Stage 4 is relatively low, and the school is taking steps to address this while offering a range of qualifications suited to pupils' interests.
Staff at the school demonstrate strong subject knowledge and effectively introduce new learning in manageable steps. They focus on developing pupils' subject-specific vocabulary and promptly identify the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. However, there are instances where teachers do not adequately check pupils' understanding before progressing to new material, which can lead to gaps in knowledge.
The school has high expectations for pupil behavior, with clear routines established in many lessons. However, there are occasions when off-task behavior is not addressed effectively by teachers. The school places a strong emphasis on personal development, teaching pupils about different cultures and religions, as well as mental health and well-being. Pupils receive unbiased careers advice, preparing them for future educational and employment opportunities.
Trustees have a solid understanding of their roles and responsibilities, providing appropriate support and challenge to the school. However, there is a need for leaders, including trustees, to gain a more precise understanding of how well staff implement agreed policies and procedures, as inconsistencies in curriculum delivery have been noted.
The safeguarding arrangements at The Cowplain School are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. To improve further, the school should focus on ensuring that teachers consistently assess pupils' knowledge accurately and that leaders have a clearer understanding of curriculum implementation across all year groups. Overall, The Cowplain School is making significant strides in providing a quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for its pupils.
