Burford School, located in Burford, Oxfordshire, continues to be recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on October 10 and 11, 2023. The headteacher, Matthew Albrighton, oversees the school, which is part of a trust managed by a board of trustees chaired by Matthew Willis. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils are eager to attend, knowing that staff are dedicated to their success. High expectations for behavior and conduct are communicated clearly, and pupils feel supported when they have concerns.
Students express enthusiasm for the extracurricular activities available, which they consider a highlight of their school experience. The diverse range of clubs ensures that all pupils can find something that interests them, encouraging participation from both beginners and those with more experience. Teachers actively engage in these activities, promoting a culture of lifelong learning. Sixth-form students appreciate the guidance they receive from teachers, allowing them to pursue their interests and develop ambitious future plans. They take pride in their leadership roles within the school, contributing to initiatives like the school council, which younger pupils look forward to joining in the future.
The school demonstrates a strong commitment to ambitious educational goals. The curriculum is well-structured, with a clear focus on essential knowledge and vocabulary that aids pupils in articulating their thoughts. Teachers employ consistent assessment methods across subjects, enabling pupils to understand and utilize feedback effectively. However, while lesson activities are designed to support learning, they do not always cater to individual pupil needs as effectively as possible. This is partly due to teachers not always having a clear understanding of pupils' prior knowledge.
The school acknowledges that some disadvantaged pupils have historically underperformed compared to their peers. In response, it has implemented measures to identify gaps in knowledge and provide targeted support. Despite these efforts, the impact of catch-up sessions has not yet met expectations, and improving outcomes for disadvantaged pupils remains a priority for school leaders.
Reading and vocabulary development are emphasized across all subjects, with various strategies in place to support pupils who struggle with reading. The school library offers a wide selection of books, and pupil librarians actively contribute to maintaining the library's resources. Additionally, the school has effective processes for identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, although there is room for improvement in planning and checking for those with less complex needs.
Pupils exhibit calm and polite behavior throughout the school, reflecting the high expectations set by the school’s policies. They enjoy their free time engaging in conversations or participating in sports, appreciating the spacious environment that offers numerous recreational opportunities. The school’s values of respect, participation, and ambition are well-integrated into daily life, with initiatives recognizing pupils who exemplify these values.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum is well-developed, addressing important topics relevant to pupils' lives. The school effectively matches teaching to pupils' maturity levels, providing valuable discussions on relationships and social issues. Careers education is also integrated into the curriculum, ensuring that older pupils receive adequate support for their future educational choices.
The safeguarding arrangements at Burford School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Moving forward, the school must continue to monitor the impact of its initiatives aimed at supporting disadvantaged pupils and ensure that teaching quality consistently meets the needs of all learners. The commitment to improvement and the overall positive atmosphere contribute to the school’s ongoing success.
