Wyvern College, located in Fair Oak, Eastleigh, Hampshire, is recognized as a good school following its inspection on December 6 and 7, 2023. The headteacher, Ben Rule, leads the school, which is part of the Wyvern College Academy Trust, overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Lynda Smith. The school is known for its inclusive environment and strong community feel, where pupils respect diversity and feel confident expressing their individuality. Positive relationships among students and staff contribute to a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for learning. The school’s values of think, grow, care are integral to its culture.
High expectations are set for all pupils, ensuring that they receive a quality education regardless of their starting points or challenges. This commitment to excellence is reflected in the academic achievements of the students. Most pupils exhibit good behavior, demonstrating politeness and friendliness. They actively participate in the school’s PRIDE points system, which rewards them for being prepared, respectful, involved, and dedicated. The school has made notable improvements in behavior since a dip last year, and students feel confident that any bullying issues will be addressed effectively by trusted adults.
Wyvern College offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to explore their interests in sports, the arts, and other areas such as gardening and chess. The school organizes popular trips, both local and international, and students are currently engaged in rehearsals for their Christmas concert and an upcoming production of Shrek the Musical. Leadership opportunities are abundant, with roles available as prefects, sports leaders, and anti-bullying ambassadors.
The curriculum at Wyvern College is ambitious, with pupils in key stage three studying all national curriculum subjects in depth, laying a strong foundation for future studies. A significant percentage of pupils in key stage four pursue subjects that form the English Baccalaureate, alongside a variety of other subjects. Most students enjoy learning and attend school regularly, with effective strategies in place to support those who struggle with attendance.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities follow the same curriculum as their peers, benefiting from high-quality teaching and additional support when necessary. Subject leaders and teachers have carefully planned the knowledge and skills pupils need to acquire, ensuring that learning builds on previous knowledge. In many lessons, a calm and purposeful environment fosters effective learning, with teachers employing various strategies to engage students. However, there are instances where teaching may not be as precise, leading to some pupils losing focus.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading for pleasure, with a popular library and targeted support for developing literacy skills. Personal and religious studies lessons contribute to pupils' understanding of safety and well-being, complemented by a well-structured tutor-time and assembly program. Careers provision is robust, with younger pupils exploring career opportunities early on and Year 11 students receiving valuable guidance for their next steps.
School leaders demonstrate a strong moral purpose, and staff feel supported and valued in their roles. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school recognizes the need for improvement in the consistent implementation of the curriculum across all subjects to ensure that all pupils make the progress they should. Leaders are encouraged to share best practices among teachers to enhance the overall learning experience. Additionally, teachers are advised to check pupils' understanding thoroughly before progressing to new content, addressing any gaps in knowledge promptly.
