The Sele School, located in Hertford, Hertfordshire, underwent an inspection on 18 and 19 October 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with the quality of education also falling into the same category. However, the behavior and attitudes of pupils, as well as their personal development, were rated as good. The sixth-form provision received a good rating as well. The previous inspection had rated the school as good.
Pupils at The Sele School report feeling happy and safe in an inclusive environment. They demonstrate respect for one another and for staff, celebrating their differences. The school has a strong stance against negative behaviors such as bullying and discrimination, ensuring that any incidents are addressed effectively. In the classroom, pupils generally exhibit good behavior, contributing to a calm learning atmosphere where they are motivated to succeed.
The school offers an 'electives' program that provides a variety of engaging extracurricular activities, catering for diverse interests. However, while the sixth form benefits from a well-structured curriculum, the same cannot be said for the rest of the school. There is a noticeable inconsistency in the quality of education across different subjects, with some areas performing better than others.
The leadership team, under the headteacher, has made efforts to improve the school since the pandemic, particularly in managing behavior. However, the implementation of curriculum improvements is at varying stages across subjects. Leaders have revised curriculum plans to ensure that essential knowledge is taught in a logical sequence from Year 7 to Year 13, but the effectiveness of delivery varies. Some subject leaders and teachers are still developing their teaching strategies, leading to inconsistencies in resource selection and assessment of pupil understanding.
In the sixth form, students benefit from a stronger curriculum that effectively supports their learning. Teachers possess the necessary subject knowledge to challenge students and help them make connections with prior learning. As a result, sixth-form students achieve well. The school identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities accurately, but the support provided is not consistently effective across all subjects. While some teachers adapt their lessons well, others do not plan adequately to meet the needs of these pupils.
The school has implemented measures to support weaker readers, but these strategies are new and it is too early to assess their effectiveness. Staff maintain high expectations for pupil behavior, and consistent approaches to managing poor conduct have led to a decline in negative behavior incidents. The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum is a strength, covering a range of relevant topics that promote personal development.
Leaders are making progress in improving the curriculum, with support from many parents. However, some subject leaders require further training to effectively implement curriculum changes. The trustees have not yet resumed their curriculum monitoring since the pandemic, which limits their understanding of the school's weaknesses.
The safeguarding arrangements at The Sele School are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. The school collaborates with various agencies to ensure that pupils receive the necessary support. Overall, while there are areas of strength, particularly in behavior and personal development, the school must address inconsistencies in curriculum delivery and support for pupils to enhance overall effectiveness.
