The Castle Rock School in Coalville, Leicestershire, underwent an inspection on May 23 and 24, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The quality of education was also rated as Requires Improvement, while behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision were rated as Good. This marked a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as Inadequate.
The school has seen a transformation in its culture, becoming a calm and orderly environment where pupils feel safe and valued. Leaders emphasize the importance of doing the right thing, and most pupils appreciate the recent changes. They take pride in their work and achievements, participating actively in celebration assemblies. The personal development curriculum is well-received, with pupils engaging seriously in lessons that address important topics and teach them to manage their well-being.
The curriculum offered is broad and ambitious, although its delivery is inconsistent across the school, leading to variability in pupils' learning experiences. In the sixth form, students benefit from a range of academic and vocational courses, receiving valuable support and advice from staff to prepare for their future endeavors. High-quality pastoral support is available, ensuring that pupils can seek help when needed, particularly those requiring additional assistance with well-being, behaviour, or attendance.
School leaders demonstrate a strong moral purpose in their efforts to improve the institution. They have established conditions conducive to learning, resulting in significant improvements in behaviour and attendance. The curriculum is well-sequenced and ambitious, and staff receive high-quality training to enhance their teaching practices. Most staff appreciate this support and collaborate effectively with leaders to implement necessary improvements.
Teachers generally possess secure subject knowledge and employ strategies to help pupils retrieve and practice prior learning. Many provide clear explanations of new concepts and check for understanding, addressing misconceptions effectively. However, there remains inconsistency in the quality of education, leading to variable learning outcomes for pupils. The sixth form shows less variability, benefiting from more consistent provision.
Leaders ensure that teachers are equipped to support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, adapting their teaching accordingly. Exceptional support is provided for Year 7 and Year 8 pupils needing assistance in reading and mathematics, which has positively impacted their confidence.
Reading is prioritized within the school, with all pupils participating in reading and vocabulary programs that contribute to their personal development. Year 7 pupils express enthusiasm for discussing the books they read in school.
The personal development provision is of high quality, covering essential topics such as careers, healthy living, and relationships. Pupils find visiting speakers engaging and informative, and discussions prompted by these topics are encouraged. In the sixth form, personal development lectures are well-received, preparing students for future challenges.
Leaders have established high expectations for behaviour and attendance, with pupils receiving praise for positive actions, which serves as motivation. Support is tailored to individual needs, resulting in improved attendance and reduced suspensions. The school takes swift action against reported bullying, fostering a trusting environment where pupils feel comfortable reporting incidents.
Governance has improved significantly since the school joined Lionheart Educational Trust, with trustees and the local governing body holding leaders accountable and supporting their well-being. Most staff express satisfaction with their work environment, valuing the relationships they have with leaders and colleagues.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff receiving regular training and understanding their responsibilities. Leaders maintain rigorous monitoring systems, ensuring pupils learn to keep themselves safe, including online safety. The school is committed to continuous improvement, focusing on embedding strong practices throughout to enhance the overall quality of education for all pupils.
