Taverham High School, located in Norwich, Norfolk, was inspected on May 16 and 17, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The school provides a safe and engaging environment for its pupils, who enjoy participating in conversations and activities during breaks. Students are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as serving as diversity ambassadors, and they generally demonstrate tolerance and acceptance of differences among their peers. The curriculum is ambitious and interesting, with high expectations set for all students. Sixth-form students benefit from tailored teaching that meets their individual needs, and the school effectively supports pupils in learning the intended curriculum across various subjects.
The school has implemented a new behavior policy that has raised expectations among students. Most pupils adhere to these expectations, allowing for effective learning in classrooms. Teachers are proactive in addressing disruptions, although some students express concerns about the resolution of bullying incidents. The school offers numerous opportunities for students to represent the school in various activities, including sports and clubs that promote a healthy lifestyle. Pupils also have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities that contribute to their overall development, such as educational trips.
Leaders at Taverham High School have successfully raised expectations regarding student achievement, resulting in improved outcomes. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with careful planning that builds students' knowledge over time. For instance, in mathematics, students focus on foundational concepts before progressing to more complex topics. The sixth-form provision is designed around student interests, and teachers provide individualized guidance to help students succeed.
Teachers possess strong subject knowledge, which enhances the quality of teaching throughout the school. They regularly assess students' understanding and provide additional support as needed. While most subjects are taught effectively, there are a few areas where teaching could be improved to ensure that all students can recall and apply important information. Students who are at the early stages of reading receive specialized support, which helps them improve their fluency. The school promotes a love of reading by providing opportunities for students to engage with a variety of texts.
Students with special educational needs and disabilities are included in the same curriculum as their peers, and teachers maintain high expectations for their achievements. Leaders effectively identify the needs of these students and provide appropriate support, although there is room for improvement in tailoring this support to specific subjects. The school has established clear behavior standards, and teachers are supported in maintaining these standards, resulting in a respectful and orderly environment.
Pupils appreciate the variety of clubs available, and they learn about fundamental British values and important social issues through a well-structured personal, social, and health education program. The school provides suitable careers guidance, including opportunities for students to explore various career paths. Leaders engage effectively with staff, considering their workload and well-being, which contributes to a supportive working environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at Taverham High School are effective, with thorough recruitment checks and appropriate training for staff to identify concerns. While students feel safe, some would like more avenues to express their worries. To improve, leaders need to enhance communication regarding bullying concerns and ensure that actions taken are clearly communicated to students and parents. Additionally, there is a need for consistency in teaching across all subjects to ensure that all students can effectively learn the intended curriculum.