Church Stretton School, located in Shropshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 2 and 3, 2024. The headteacher, John Parr, leads the school, which is part of the TrustEd Schools Alliance. This multi-academy trust is overseen by CEO Sarah Godden and a board of trustees chaired by Mark Anderson. The school is appreciated for its small size, fostering a close-knit community where pupils feel a strong sense of responsibility towards their peers and the local area. Many students participate in decision-making processes through the school council, and older pupils take on roles such as bus captains to support younger students.
Pupils at Church Stretton School are motivated to succeed academically and are dedicated to their studies. The school emphasizes the importance of reading, providing access to a wide variety of books for enjoyment. Most students meet the school's high behavioral expectations, although there are some concerns regarding consistency in how behavior is managed by staff. The school is actively working to address these issues.
The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, primarily during lunchtime, including clubs for badminton, singing, and creative writing. Pupils also benefit from various trips and visits that enhance their learning experiences and broaden their understanding of the diverse society in which they live. The curriculum is described as broad and ambitious, with all students having access to a rich creative arts program and the option to study triple GCSE science. The uptake of the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects is on the rise.
Students achieve well by the time they leave the school, with a significant number progressing to further education, employment, or training. The curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge over time, allowing for independent application of learning. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and effectively check pupils' understanding through questioning. However, there are inconsistencies in the quality of learning experiences, particularly in vocabulary reinforcement and writing modeling. Some discussion activities lack structure, which can hinder deeper thinking and understanding.
The school provides adequate support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring their needs are identified and met. Those who struggle with reading receive strong support and make rapid progress. Despite the overall positive behavior of most pupils, a minority do not adhere to the school's behavior expectations consistently. The school is reviewing its behavior policy to enhance consistency across staff.
Attendance at Church Stretton School is in line with national averages, and there has been a notable decrease in persistent absenteeism. The leadership team, including trustees and governors, collaborates effectively to ensure the school meets its responsibilities and supports pupil success. Staff appreciate the efforts made to reduce their workload, and most parents express satisfaction with the education their children receive. The school also provides high-quality careers education, preparing students for future success.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the consistency of curriculum implementation and the need for more opportunities for meaningful discussions in lessons. The school is encouraged to share best practices among staff to maintain high educational standards and ensure that all pupils are actively engaged in their learning. Overall, Church Stretton School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its students.
