Loughton School, located in Milton Keynes, continues to be recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 12-13, 2019. The acting headteacher has effectively collaborated with staff to create a curriculum that engages pupils and fosters their interests. High expectations are set for all students, and leaders have worked diligently to ensure that pupils excel across a variety of subjects. Teachers are dedicated to planning lessons that facilitate student success, and the school environment prioritizes safety and care, with pupils expressing confidence in the staff's ability to address any issues, including rare instances of bullying.
The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including clubs focused on needlework and mindfulness, which contribute to the holistic development of pupils. Before- and after-school care programs provide additional opportunities for social interaction among students. Pupils take their responsibilities seriously, exemplified by initiatives like the 'green team,' which promotes walking to school and environmental awareness. The school’s curriculum is enriched through engaging trips and visitors, making learning experiences memorable and exciting.
Reading is a significant focus at Loughton School, with leaders prioritizing literacy to ensure that most pupils leave with strong reading skills. However, the enjoyment of reading is somewhat limited by the availability of high-quality books. The reading leader provides additional support for younger readers, helping them improve their phonics knowledge through daily group sessions. The new senior leadership team has made strides in developing the curriculum, ensuring it is well-structured across all subjects, with notable progress in writing.
Teachers employ engaging texts to inspire pupils to write descriptively, and lessons are designed to help students discover new concepts while reinforcing prior knowledge. Pupils demonstrate a strong ability to recall historical facts, which enhances their understanding of significant events, such as the importance of Remembrance Day. The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they are engaged and achieve well in their studies.
Beyond academics, Loughton School provides a variety of activities that enrich the student experience, including an annual Shakespeare festival where pupils perform classic plays. The behavior of pupils is commendable, with effective management of any bullying incidents reported. Students exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, and low-level disruptions in lessons are minimal. The school has successfully improved attendance rates, aligning them with national averages, and has seen a significant reduction in exclusions due to strong behavioral support from leaders.
Overall, the school enjoys positive feedback from staff, parents, and trustees, who express confidence in the leadership and the effectiveness of the school's governance. The safeguarding measures in place are robust, with staff trained to identify and address potential risks to pupils. The school fosters a culture of vigilance and care, ensuring that safeguarding is a shared responsibility among all staff members. While Loughton School has many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in enhancing the support for pupils catching up in phonics and ensuring that subject leaders are well-equipped to implement curriculum plans effectively. The school remains committed to continuous improvement and maintaining its good standing in the educational community.
