The Forest School in Winnersh, Wokingham, Berkshire, has undergone significant improvements since its previous inspection, achieving a Good rating across all areas including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. The inspection took place over three days in late June and early July 2021, and it was noted that the school has made commendable strides in enhancing the curriculum and fostering a positive learning environment.
Pupils at The Forest School demonstrate a strong understanding of the importance of learning and exhibit tenacity in their studies. Teachers maintain high expectations for student achievement and ensure that pupils grasp and retain the knowledge imparted to them. The school offers a diverse range of subjects, with plans to expand this selection further in the coming year. Students appreciate the structure of their daily schedule, which includes three extended lessons that allow for deeper exploration of topics.
Behaviour within the school is commendable, with students reporting a culture of mutual respect and support. They feel safe and secure, with incidents of bullying being rare. When issues do arise, pupils trust that staff will address them effectively. Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the school's commitment to their children's education, highlighting the ambition and care shown by the staff.
The leadership team has made notable enhancements to the curriculum, with subject leaders revising their planning to emphasize clear learning objectives. While teachers effectively focus on developing essential skills, there are instances where they could be more precise about the specific knowledge students need to acquire. Teachers actively encourage pupils to recall prior learning to build upon new concepts, which is evident in various lessons across subjects.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with teachers promoting literacy at every opportunity. Pupils engage in reading aloud during lessons, and new vocabulary is systematically introduced to ensure comprehension. The leadership team has set ambitious goals for increasing the number of pupils taking the full range of English Baccalaureate subjects at GCSE, alongside a review of the Key Stage 3 curriculum to provide a broader educational experience.
The school is dedicated to supporting all pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as disadvantaged students. Teachers carefully plan to meet the needs of these pupils, tracking their progress meticulously and working to eliminate barriers to learning. The school has also made strides in improving pupil behaviour and attendance, with current figures exceeding the national average.
Personal development is a key focus, with the school's ASPIRE ethos integrated into various aspects of student life. A wide array of extracurricular activities is available, and the personal and social education programme addresses relevant and challenging topics, fostering mature discussions among students.
Staff members recognize the rapid improvements made by the leadership team, with the headteacher providing clear direction and support. Most staff feel that their well-being and workload are considered, contributing to a positive working environment. The safeguarding measures in place are robust, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported, although some sixth-form students have expressed a desire for additional mental health resources.
While the school has made significant progress, there is still work to be done in broadening the Key Stage 3 curriculum and ensuring that all pupils build a solid foundation of knowledge. The leadership team is aware of these areas for improvement and is actively taking steps to address them. Overall, The Forest School is on a positive trajectory, with a strong commitment to the success and well-being of its pupils.
