Warlingham School is recognized as a good school, providing a welcoming and friendly environment for its students. The school is characterized by strong relationships among staff and pupils, fostering a sense of trust and safety. Pupils express happiness and feel secure within the school community. The leadership team maintains high expectations for student learning, emphasizing the core values of courage, commitment, and kindness. These values are integrated into all aspects of school life, contributing to the overall positive atmosphere. As a result, pupils achieve well academically.
Behavior among the majority of pupils is commendable, with politeness and courtesy evident in lessons and social interactions. While most students engage positively, some require additional support for behavioral challenges. The school provides targeted assistance through specialized programs, ensuring that all pupils feel valued and supported. Incidents of bullying are addressed effectively, with pupils confident that their concerns will be taken seriously.
Warlingham School offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports, and educational trips. Participation in initiatives like The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is popular among students, and the annual activities week, featuring trips to locations such as the Lake District and Paris, is highly anticipated. Sixth-form students also engage in community service, enhancing their personal development.
The leadership team, including the headteacher and governors, has a clear vision for the school, fostering a collaborative environment among staff. Teachers feel supported in their roles, and there is a strong sense of pride in working at Warlingham. The curriculum is well-structured, particularly at key stage three, providing a solid foundation for future studies. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are included in the same curriculum as their peers, promoting inclusivity.
However, there are areas for improvement. The school recognizes the need for more pupils to pursue modern foreign languages, as current enrollment numbers are low. This impacts the overall percentage of students achieving the English Baccalaureate, which is below the school’s and government’s expectations. Additionally, while the curriculum is well-planned, some teachers do not consistently utilize assessment information effectively to tailor their teaching to meet individual pupil needs. This can hinder the embedding of knowledge in students' long-term memory.
Staff are dedicated to understanding and addressing the needs of their pupils, providing strong pastoral support. Programs for struggling readers are in place and show promising results. The school also prioritizes career readiness, offering work experience placements and guidance for students exploring future opportunities. The curriculum includes lessons on well-being and safety, equipping pupils with essential life skills.
The safeguarding measures at Warlingham School are robust, with a strong culture of safety and effective communication among staff. The safeguarding team is well-organized, ensuring that vulnerable pupils receive the necessary support. Regular training for staff and governors enhances the effectiveness of safeguarding practices.
In summary, Warlingham School is a good educational institution with a supportive environment, strong leadership, and a commitment to pupil achievement. While there are areas for growth, particularly in language enrollment and the use of assessment data, the school continues to provide a positive and enriching experience for its students.
